Goal 4: Quality Education

UOW runs a wide range of public events and activities to make research more accessible to the wider community. From TEDxUWollongong, the Big Ideas Festival, Uni in the Brewery to Three Minute Thesis, UOW hosts a variety of research-focused events each year. The Big Ideas Festival attracted over 600 people from the Wollongong community to the University in 2019 and 538 viewed the event via Facebook live stream.

Our outreach and school programs start working with students in high school and on to vocational pathways or university, to ensure their successful journey through higher education. Connection with these students enables their transition and success at university, by providing peer support and coaching, mentoring and academic skill-building.

Early Start’s Research conducts world class, evidence-based research that drives government policy, and assists industry professionals and the broader public in making informed educational decisions for policy and practice. The institutes’ research aims to overcome disadvantage and impact the lives of children, youth, and families.

The Future Makers research team is engaging a community of ‘makers’ from high school students and primary teachers, to entrepreneurs through to retired steelworkers. The space brings a community of makers together offering an engaging learning experience centred around STEM education, recycling and sustainability. The research project is evaluating whether ‘making’ activities can enhance STEM education by encouraging interest and improving outcomes.

Established in 1989, Science Space is the only dedicated science experience in NSW and is a place where anyone, young and old, can come and see how science and technology discoveries have become reality. It is a place to be inspired about what the future holds and is founded upon the principles of education, hands-on learning and accessibility.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) provide a learning atmosphere which differs from the traditional tutorial environment. Hundreds of staff from dozens of institutions around the Australasian region have benefited from training and assistance delivered by PASS@UOW. Over 30,000 students have participated in PASS and evidence shows that a student that attends attains higher marks and is less likely to fail or withdraw from a subject. 

A collaboration between UOW and the NSW Department of Education, the Leading Through Culture Program is embedded with cultural knowledge and activities, whilst also fostering leadership capabilities through engaging in UOW faculty workshops. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 9 students across selected In2Uni high schools are invited to participate in a 2 day on-campus cultural leadership program. Students complete the program by using the concept of design thinking to take part in a collaborative Leadership Action Project within their school community. 

The iAccelerate educate ‘Activate’ program encourages start-ups to align their purpose with the Global Goals. The ‘Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals’ modules led by facilitator Associate Professor Belinda Gibbons, introduces start-ups to UN SDG resources to identify ways in which a start-up’s value proposition aligns with the UN SDGs. iAccelerate has had interest from Global Honours Program students and resident philosophy students who are interested particularly in the SDG module of the overall Activate program.

The aim of the Koori Aspirations Program is to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students in the South Western Sydney, Southern Highlands and Wollongong regions to build their awareness of, and aspirations towards higher education and other post school options. By participating in the Koori Aspirations Program, students will be equipped to make improved career and pathway decisions to prepare them for life beyond school. 

Learning Labs is designed for motivated and passionate learners who are performing excellently in their area of interest. Learning Labs offers workshops during the school holidays covering a range of interest areas. Workshops are challenging, as well as fun, and are a place where students can meet like-minded peers.

UOW researchers are contributing to world-first research to understand the impact of digital technology on children. The results of this research will benefit parents and inform improvements to children’s health and education policy. It brings together expertise from six Australian universities, along with 33 academic and industry partner organisations from Australia, Europe, Asia and America.