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Batchelor ACIKE helps students achieve the best at University
Prime Minister Julia Gillard officially opened the $30 million Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education (ACIKE) at Charles Darwin University (CDU) in Darwin. From left: Karen Gurruwiwi, The Honourable Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Jessica Smith and Ayden Allan at the official opening of the Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education (ACIKE), Charles Darwin University in Darwin, Northern Territory. Image supplied
by Imran Naveed
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upported by the Australian Government, the collaborative venture between Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education and CDU focuses on Indigenous Higher Education needs and is the largest building of its type in an Australian university. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in her speech the ACIKE Preparation for Tertiary Success course for Indigenous people will give those returning to the education system the skills and confidence to achieve the best possible results at university. Preparation for Tertiary Success (PTS) Indigenous students Karen Gurruwiwi, Jessica Smith and Ayden Allan live in Darwin and attend the course at Casuarina, and were introduced to Julia Gillard during the opening event. Karen said, “The PTS course is very challenging and it is helping me to gain more academic skills for
future studies. The course is also giving me a lot of courage to stand with confidence.” Jessica Smith said, “PTS has given me the confidence to achieve my bachelor degree in teaching. It has shown me ways to better my learning and also how to use my time effectively.” “Indigenous students can get started on their pathways to Higher Education by studying Preparation for Tertiary Success (PTS), a free program especially designed for Indigenous students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to be successful at university.’, Batchelor Institute Director Adrian Mitchell said. Successful completion of PTS will give students the minimum entry requirements for most Diploma and Bachelor programs at the Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education (ACIKE) (Batchelor Institute and Charles Darwin University (CDU)) and universities in South Australia.
The aim of ACIKE is to provide a shared facility for the delivery of a specific range of Higher Education and Post Graduate study options which provide education pathways designed to better meet the needs of Indigenous Australia. Courses are also available for nonIndigenous students. The Institute has a free call line to assist Indigenous people to find out more about Preparation for Tertiary Success (PTS) on 1800 677 095 or visit www.acike.edu.au/pts. The friendly Student Support staff are always there to help students. PTS Facebook page provides the opportunities for Indigenous students to: - Create a positive self-image by putting their best qualities to their friends and lecturers - Make connections with other Indigenous students - Share information about the course, - Post and receive messages from other students and lecturers, and view pictures and videos Page 1