Some of the brightest young minds from our Catholic Schools across the Diocese have taken an inspiring step towards their futures, graduating from the University of Newcastle’s prestigious High Performing Students Program.
In a ceremony held on Wednesday, 43 students from Years 9 to 11 were formally recognised for successfully completing first-year university-level courses — an outstanding achievement that highlights the calibre of high-potential learners within our Diocese.
The High Performing Students Program offers students the chance to be enrolled in both school and the University of Newcastle, studying subjects that count as credit towards future degrees. Participants also gain valuable insight into university life, with learning experiences at the University’s Callaghan campus and access to university academic resources and professors.
This year, students completed a diverse range of courses: Globalisation and International Management (BUSN101), Foundations of Health and Disease (HUBS1417), and Discrete Mathematics (MATH1510). These subjects are designed to stretch students’ thinking and challenge them beyond the standard curriculum.
The graduation event was also attended by Secondary Principals and Executive Catholic Schools staff, who gathered to honour the students’ dedication and celebrate the success of a program that nurtures excellence in high-potential and gifted education across our Diocese.
St Clemente Catholic College, Mayfield Year 9 student Maya Lewis admitted she was nervous at first but soon found herself thriving in the new academic environment.
“I thought it was going to be really hard, but I really liked getting to know lots of people that were interested in academics like me and connect”.
She particularly valued learning directly from university professors. “I liked getting to have an actual professor and having that experience from someone who is really knowledgeable on a particular topic.”
Year 10 student Henry Carpenter from St Bede’s Catholic College in Chisholm described the program as “fascinating”. “It’s very rare to have this kind of opportunity. I was very excited. It really showed me a different form of maths than what I am used to.” Henry hopes to pursue a double degree in aerospace and secure a future in the local industry.
Programs like this are a testament to Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle’s commitment to providing innovative learning pathways that prepare students not just for their HSC, but for lifelong success.
These students now carry university credits and a world of possibility ahead of them, the program serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our schools’ partner with our local university work to inspire the next generation.
