A group of Ulladulla High School students felt like they were in an episode of The Big Bang Theory last week as they took part in a science master class with physicist, Markus Nordberg from CERN, Switzerland.
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The students were given a brief insight into particle physics and the fundamental laws of nature as they chatted with the head of resources development and innovation at the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
Master classes with scientists, environmentalists, authors and business leaders from around the world are just some of many opportunities afforded to the local students who study with Aurora College - a real-time online learning platform bringing selective schooling to regional and remote areas of NSW.
Eight students, from years seven to 10, are dual citizens of both Ulladulla High and Aurora College and study selective strands in maths, English and science via an online learning platform, returning to their regular classroom for remaining subjects.
Liz Soo’s daughter Jaimee, in year nine, has been part of the Aurora program since it was first introduced at Ulladulla High School and she said, before she discovered the virtual school, the family had considered sending their daughter away to a selective school in Sydney.
“Aurora has made it possible for my daughter to be in a selective school without having to move to Sydney,” Liz said.
“It allows her to stay connected to her local friends while also being connected to her Aurora friends that are all across the state.”
Twice a year the Aurora students and teachers meet at residential camps, where they study together, take part in masterclasses, enjoy excursions and get to know each other outside of the classroom.
Neve Lawson, also in year nine, said “res” was a highlight for her.
“Not only do I get to catch up with my friends, but also learn new things in different environments and see my online teachers face-to-face,“ she explained.
Diving into Aurora in year seven has been a challenge for Sienna Condie who said it was hard work, but she enjoyed being able to put her headset on, connect to the virtual classroom and focus on her studies without interruptions.
“I really like the mix of virtual and classroom learning,” she said.
“I get to study really interesting subjects, make friends online and still hang out with my other friends at lunchtime and out of school.”
UHS Principal Denise Lofts said the Aurora program was another way the school was embracing technology, with a variety of internet-based platforms providing opportunities to students.
“It’s fantastic that the students are meeting kids from really remote schools and building relationships with them,” she said.
However, Mrs Lofts said face-to-face learning remained an important element of education.
“This style of learning doesn’t suit all kids – the child has to be self-motivated and very self-disciplined,” she said.
“At the end of the day, it’s whatever learning style suits the kids best.”
Aurora College is a NSW Department of Education initiative and shares 260 students with 76 partner schools.
In order to be offered a place in year seven at Aurora College, students must apply in year five to sit the NSW Selective Schools test in year six.
Applications will open for placement in year seven 2020 from October 9.
Applications for year eight to 10 will open on June 22, with information available on the Aurora College website or via the NSW Department of Education’s Selective Schools website.
The college also offers opportunities for HSC students to study subjects not offered in their home school.
