Second chance at study

The Central Coast Campus of the University of Newcastle, Ourimbah's Newstep program, is encouraging Peninsula people aged 17 to 20 years with a second chance at further study.

Newstep enables students who did not complete their Higher School Certificate, or who did not gain sufficient marks, to gain entry into university courses.

The director of the Enabling Programs Unit, Dr Ralph Robinson, said the courses attracted some Peninsula residents, but "we would like more".

Prospective students needed to document the disadvantaging factors that affected their study, such as a low-income background, attending a disadvantaged high school, having a non-English speaking background, or other adverse circumstance such as family or personal crisis.

"Newstep aims to improve the educational opportunities of young people in the Hunter and surrounding areas by offering a range of subjects to prepare students for further study, with study skills and an insight into university life," said Dr Keryl Kavanagh, Newstep and Open Foundation Coordinator.

Newstep students studied at university for two semesters (one year), attending 15 hours of lectures and tutorials each week.

Subjects included Mathematics, English, Australian Culture and Society and Tertiary Preparation Studies.

"Students are tested with essays and exams and if successful, they can apply to study for a degree at the University of Newcastle, or another university," Dr Kavanagh said.

Dr Robinson said the courses had come a long way from their beginnings.

"I taught philosophy in enabling programs at Ourimbah RSL Club before there was a Central Coast Campus," he said.

For enquiries or applications for the Newstep program, telephone 1800 353 775 or email: enabling@newcastle.edu.au

Applications close on February 2.

Carl Spears, January 4