February Forum
The inaugural Sydney Widening Participation in Higher Education Forum was held on Thursday 11th February. More than 130 attendees participated in
discussions focussed on strategies supporting students to stay and succeed in school and engage in planning their future.
A diverse range of stakeholders from the Sydney region, including primary and secondary school principals from all educational sectors, high school and university students, parent groups, and non-government organisations such as Street University, The Smith Family and Mission Australia, all attended the Forum.
The Forum received excellent feedback with 97% of responders agreeing they had gained new insights into widening participation in higher education. Some of the comments received from participants regarding what they took away from the day:
- "I now have a less daunting perspective of university and that barrier in the transition"
- "There are a range of people that I want to become more involved with"
- "All areas need to work together, it is everyone’s responsibility to make this happen!"
- "Thank you for acknowledging the student’s perspective which is often ignored"
- "It was a very innovative idea to bring together a diversity of people involved in education"
- "I have come away with some direct goals and strategies"
- "Opportunity to engage in substantive conversation with stakeholders including students was a valuable aspect to inform the discussion in the workshops"
- "The importance of my own role in broader educational issues – importance of early intervention – the individual difference of teachers"
- "Importance of relationships and mentoring the young – the need to work within my school community – openness and willingness for all to contribute and collaborate regardless of affiliation"
- "No matter which sector we come from fundamentally we all want change"
- "Confidence that we all value the same things"
The SWPHEF committee collected a large amount of valuable information and feedback from the day, which is currently being collated. The resulting report and follow up steps will be placed on this website shortly.