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Indigenous Science Education Program (ISEP)

Our Achievements

Australian Awards for University Teaching 2011: Award for Programs that Enhance Learning

The Indigenous Science Education Program (ISEP) is an innovative, university-based program, run collaboratively by Macquarie University staff, high school staff and Aboriginal communities. ISEP has its origins in requests from Aboriginal Elders for help in addressing the alarmingly low completion rate of secondary education by their Indigenous youth. ISEP's major aim is to provide secondary students, especially Indigenous students, with the motivation and skills to complete their high school studies and to open pathways to tertiary education. The success of ISEP has been achieved by: engaging students throughout their entire secondary studies in science and technology activities that develop leadership, literacy and presentation skills; providing role models and mentors; having on-going close associations with university staff and students, highlighting the value of higher education; working in partnership with the local communities to address their needs; and working collaboratively with other Macquarie University staff and external organisations to enhance access to higher education. The impact of ISEP has extended beyond secondary students, to the wider school and local Aboriginal communities through providing capacity building opportunities, and to higher education students and staff, giving them the opportunity to reach out and become more socially aware and responsible citizens.