Mapping Tomorrow’s Pathways 

Year 11 students embarked on transformative journeys across Australia’s leading universities this week, returning with greater clarity on their future direction and how to navigate it. 

The 2025 Academic Tours ran from Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 September, taking in five locations from Melbourne’s urban campuses to Adelaide's collegiate atmosphere, each destination offering distinct perspectives on university life and academic opportunity. 

In Melbourne, students immersed themselves in the offerings of Deakin University and The University of Melbourne, experiencing everything from cutting-edge research facilities to vibrant campus culture. At Deakin, they explored the Moot Room, gaining insights into legal studies, while at Melbourne’s historic sandstone campus, they attended lectures in the prestigious Masson Lecture Theatre. Their trip included tours of the university's residential colleges including Ormond, Queens, St Hilda’s and Janet Clarke Hall. Between campus visits, the students took time to explore Melbourne’s CBD, experiencing the city that might frame their university years. 

The Queensland cohort discovered both traditional and innovative approaches to higher education, splitting their time between The University of Queensland (UQ) and Bond University.

At UQ, they enjoyed lunch at the Women’s College, delved into animal conservation studies within the Faculty of Science and learned about spirometry as a diagnostic tool for lung diseases. The experience proved transformative for students like Lauren, who reflects, “The Queensland Academic Tour has been an amazing experience. It has allowed us to immerse ourselves in the lives of university students, and a life beyond school that will come sooner than we expect”.

At Bond University, the students were delighted by the novelty events such as a petting zoo and clubs day. The formal tours revealed impressive academic facilities. “For our elite athletes and aspiring health professionals, the High-Performance Sports Centre proved particularly compelling,” says Head of Careers, Ms Evette Wenlock. “The students loved exploring aspects including injury prevention, physio, biomechanics and occupational therapy.” Year 11 student Hayden agrees, “Overall, it’s been a fascinating experience, leading many of us to see new directions and a wider range of future of opportunities”. 

For those students drawn to Adelaide, the trip offered the chance to explore the complementary strengths of Flinders University and Adelaide University. The tours comprised interactive STEM and legal workshops, with a focus on future innovations and visits to residential colleges, including Adelaide University’s St Mark’s College. 

The NSW and ACT tour provided equally rich experiences. At The University of Wollongong’s coastal campus, students explored the music facilities and enjoyed seeing first-hand the emphasis on skills such as collaboration and communication. They also gained insights into the importance of working across disciplines and the value of joining clubs. “Being on campus has really made them understand what’s possible beyond the school gates,” says Dean of Research and Practice, Ms Natasha Isbel. 

In the nation’s capital, The Australian National University offered glimpses into cutting-edge research at the Medical Research Centre, while the nature of residential life revealed itself through connections with Alumnae at John XXIII College. The students were particularly intrigued by ANU’s Solar Car Challenge entry, designed for the Darwin to Adelaide race. At the University of New England, they explored St Albert’s College and the university’s Duval College and impressive SportUNE facilities.

At the University of Newcastle, the medical training facilities impressed, including high-level equipment such as MRI machines. An introduction to neuroscience workshop provided hands-on learning opportunities and the university’s natural history museum was an unexpectedly fun experience.

The presence of Wenona Alumnae at multiple destinations added an invaluable dimension. These young women, many of whom had participated in Academic Tours during their own Wenona years, offered candid insights into the realities of university life. From practical advice about accommodation and course selection to recommendations for the best coffee spots on campus, they provided insider knowledge that will prepare current students for a more successful tertiary transition. 

“It has been a privilege to see and hear about the experiences of our Year 11 students as they visit a range of university campuses,” says Head of Senior College, Ms Santina Restuccia. “I am hopeful that this next generation will enjoy the richness of campus life alongside the remarkable advancements in higher education, providing them with genuine choice and opportunity as they shape their futures”.