Fast Forward Year 9 Awards Night

On Thursday the 31^st of March Western Sydney University held the annual Fast Forward Year 9 Awards Night at the Parramatta Campus to congratulate the Year 9 students who have been selected by their school to participate in the Program.

The Fast Forward Program is a partnership between Western Sydney University and schools in Greater Western Sydney. The program aims to help students to see the value of continuing their education through to Year 12 and beyond.

During the Awards Night Year 9 students heard how the Fast Forward Program encourages students to strive for their personal best and to see tertiary study as a realistic and viable post-school option. During the four-year program students begin to understand the concept of lifelong learning and the benefits of continued education and training has on the success of their career.

Year 9 students also heard from two of the four 2016 Fast Forward Scholarship winners. Eden Corbett, who joined the St Andrews College inaugural group of Fast Forward students in 2012, spoke about how the Fast Forward program encouraged her to do her best at school. She said the program inspired her to see tertiary education as a realistic goal that she could pursue. Eden advised the Year 9 students to work consistently and take notes so that they are well prepared for their HSC Exams. Good preparation puts you in a better position to achieve the best ATAR.

Eden achieved an ATAR of 90.50 and is now studying Law and Social Science at Western Sydney University. She said the $20,000 Scholarship has given her more time to focus on her studies.

St Andrews College believes that the Western Sydney University Fast Forward Program is a great opportunity for students. Ms Andrea Mansfield, Leader of Learning, Year 9, Mr Nic Vidot, Principal, Ms Therese May, Careers Adviser and Mr David Van Gestal attend the Awards Night to support the students and wish them well in their journey as they plan for a successful future.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the 2016 Year 9 Western Sydney University Fast Forward students:

Joshua Aquilina Akur Joseph

Dylan Butler         Mireille Kalayji                                                        

Pranav Chandra Sela Crisafulli Kefu                                                         

Rylee Dean  Thomas Lloyd                                                                

Keenan Dimacali Fatoj Makog

Allison Futialo   Meryem Sonmez                                                           

Thomas Green    Peter Trogrlic