UWS Students
One of the most highly rated aspects of the Fast Forward program is the opportunity for our high school students to interact with UWS students. The firsthand accounts of what it is like to be a university student, how and why students go to university and the opportunities available at university and beyond have helped many of our students believe that university could be a place for them.
We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic volunteer students who are interested in working with year 9, 10 and 11 high school students in small groups assisting them to aspire to their full potential academically and personally. Students must be willing to travel to other UWS campuses and to the partner school(s) they are allocated to.
Volunteer students will undertake training at a Fast Forward UniM8s workshop before being allocated to a school to equip them with the necessary skills and information to go into high schools and engage with years 9, 10 and 11 students in their schools and run Fast Forward Workshops. Students will also be required to assist the Fast Forward team with activities on campus such as Awards Evenings and year 9, 10 and 11 University Days.
Fast Forward Workshops are offered to Year 9, 10 and 11 students from April to October, and as it is the schools responsibility to decide when they would like the sessions to be held, how many sessions they would like each term and the content or theme of each session, workshop dates and hours will be dependent on the school you are allocated to. However, the schools are aware that UniM8s have their University schedules and personal commitments to work around and will be flexible where possible. To see a list of our partner schools please go to School Partners.
TRAINING REQUIRED:
- One day training workshop run by Fast Forward staff on UWS campuses. This training will equip students with skills such as rapport building, activities and behaviour management strategies, as well workshop templates and planning skills.
- Working with Children checks to be completed. Forms are available online. Print, complete and bring to your training session for verification and ID check (100 points required), along with photocopies.
There are two ways students at UWS can get involved with Fast Forward:
1. Volunteer to be a UniM8
2. As part of UWS Curriculum for selected units (as advised by unit coordinators)
Why be a Fast Forward UniM8?
There are many benefits of being part of the Fast Forward program such as:
- Personal satisfaction of motivating young local school students to achieve their potential
- Contributing to raising the aspirations of young people in the communities of Greater Western Sydney
- Developing your skills and confidence in communication, working collaboratively, problem solving and showing initiative
- Expanding your social network through working with other UWS students and staff
- Certificates recognising your participation for your resume
- Gaining skills and experience valued by future employers
- Having fun!
What support will you receive as a UniM8?
Throughout your time working the Fast Forward Program, you will receive training, guidance, advice and debriefing opportunities from our team of Project Officers.
Each Project Officer takes care of a specific area of schools, and when allocated to your school, you will also be given the contact details of that Project Officer who will then be your point of contact. The Fast Forward Team is here for all UniM8s, and should you have any questions, concerns or need assistance with anything we are only a phone call away.
In addition, UniM8s can also receive advice and guidance from the staff and Fast Forward liaison teacher at the school/s they are working with.
How to get involved:
To express your interest in becoming a Fast Forward UniM8, complete an Online Application or email us at: fastforward@uws.edu.au for further information.
