‘It’s been fun’: Planting seeds of future tertiary study

From pitching entrepreneurial ideas and coding to constructing rockets and delving into the campus’s nursing simulation wing, the day aims to introduce the pupils to the idea of tertiary study.

Lumen Christi Catholic College pupils Joanna Pascoe and Amelia Berryman both enjoyed their session inside the nursing education unit alongside nursing simulation technician Emily Smart.

Joanna said she is interested in a career in the medical sciences.

“I really enjoyed measuring oxygen levels in blood,” the Toothdale resident said.

“It’s been fun.”

Amelia said the day has made her consider tertiary education as a future possibility.

“I’ve enjoyed learning how to wash your hands and learning how to take the cloth thing off if someone spews,” the Frogs Hollow resident said.

Both pupils said the educational days should be held more often throughout the year.

Ms Smart said the hands on nature of the simulation unit makes it popular each year with pupils.

“You’re not just in a classroom being talked at, it’s different to what they learn at school,” she said.

“They get to touch and play with everything. It is very hands on.”

Ms Smart said more school leavers are choosing to stay in the region and study locally.

“When you grow up in this area you think you have to travel away to study this,’ she said.

“So it’s positive they can see they can study here in Bega.

“It’s so accessible, they know we are here, so they can come and ask questions any time.

“It’s not intimidating at all.”

Campus manager Samantha Avitaia said it is her favourite part of the year’s calendar.

“Watching local kids get excited about careers and education, and then hearing back from the teachers and families about all the conversations and ideas we’ve sparked – that’s what it’s all about,” she said.