“We are given a lot of content throughout our schooling yet we are not always given the tools to do something useful with it. The Tertiary Prep Programme has given me the capacity to take control of my learning, and, rather than being a victim of technology I have become confident and effective in using it.  A great example of this was in completing my level 3 English writing portfolio, where because of the skills I learnt I was able to effectively source information on various databases I previously had no idea existed.

The study skills I have learnt have also been an integral part of my success in NCEA. Understanding how you learn and what works best for you is not always something we give much time to, however once we discover this we are able to be more effective in every stage of the education process. I found myself spending hours on a single task and not getting very far with it, however when I analysed my study patterns with Ms White, we found the very reason that was causing my inefficiency and together created a plan which saw my time and resources used much more efficiently.

I am convinced every student has the capacity to thrive at school.  The key is being able to understand our individual thinking preferences and study skills, and The Tertiary Prep Programme sessions have been a platform for me to discover mine.”

Adam Carter, Head Boy SBHS, 2014 – Studying neuroscience at Otago University

“Senga White, a school librarian from New Zealand, presented a very persuasive session entitled ‘Preparing secondary students for tertiary study through embedded Information Literacy skills’. This session supported ‘The Information Journey’ session, highlighting the point that students need opportunities to develop their IL skills. It was also suggested that a structured means of delivering information literature instruction should be adopted by an institution. In addition, Senga highlighted the importance of collaboration between faculty and library staff and between school and higher education institutions, a concept echoed by several other speakers at LILAC and one that I will be taking back to my institution.”

Elliott, T. 2012. Student to LILAC Superhero 2012. Journal of information literacy, 6(1), pp. 96-98.   http://dx.doi.org/10.11645/6.1.1704