By MATT MALE
HIGH school students are getting their first glimpse at university.
More than 100 Year 9 students are tackling a two-month city building challenge at Monash University in Berwick.
The ‘Monash University Casey Challenge’ involves eight schools in the Casey region, including Cranbourne East Secondary and St Francis Xavier College.
Students experience university life by attending lectures, meeting Monash University staff and completing an assignment where they look at ‘What makes a great city’.
Athena Beshir, a teacher at St Francis Xavier College, said the project equipped students with necessary life skills.
“They are developing a project that is pragmatic, as they will naturally be the future custodians of the City of Casey,” she said.
Representatives from Monash University and Casey Council attended workshops, discussing town planning, economic development, education and employment.
Casey Mayor Mick Morland told students the experience would help them determine their future path.
“For many of you university might seem like the distant future, for others, university might not be a path that interests you.
“However once you have completed this program, you will have a greater understanding of the opportunities accessible through further education,” he said.
The challenge began on Tuesday 11 August and goes for two months.
