The University of Sydney's Compass program encourages primary and secondary school students to participate in higher education and become familiar with the idea of continuing study after high school.
It is a partnership between the University of Sydney, the NSW Department of Education and selected secondary and primary schools in Sydney and rural NSW.
Bass High School is fortunate to be one of the 10 participating high schools. Each year our entire Year 7 group and substantial numbers of Years 8 to 10 visit the university for orientation and educational tours. Older students participate in study skills and High School Certificate (HSC) preparation, both on and off the campus.
Compass hosts annual Indigenous student days in May where relevant school students from all over NSW meet current Indigenous university students and engage in orientation and cultural activities.
Compass provides assistance to allow our students to attend events. They also provide high-quality professional development courses for our teachers to maximise their skills and understanding of current trends in education.
In partnership with the Seymour Centre, Compass also provides our final year Advanced English students with complimentary tickets to attend a production linked to their HSC studies.
Working with Sydney College of the Arts, Bass High School is involved in filmmaking and animation projects to promote skills in film and digital media. Compass has helped the Conservatorium of Music and Ms Rosen facilitate an innovative program of original music and art events culminating in performances at the conservatorium later this year. Mr McLaughlin, and Ms Collier of our music and art faculties will guide our students through the program.
Other planned projects include a visit from a representative of the Faculty of Agriculture to our farm, and a range of specific HSC workshops later in the year.
In late May, we will be attending a parents' day at the Art Gallery of NSW, followed by a campus tour of the University of Sydney.
Compass is funded by grants from the Department of Industry, Immigration, Science, Research and Tertiary Education and donations to the University of Sydney. We look forward to further participation in the Compass program in 2013 and beyond.
For more information visit Sydney University Compass.