Early commencement program inspires local students

Tim Lloyd, Sue Gregory, Annabelle Collins, Kylie Adams

05th Aug 2025

Two students from Guyra Central School are taking their first steps into university life while still completing high school thanks to an early commencement program offered by the University of New England.
The UNE School of Education now offers 50 fully funded scholarships for students to complete a first-year Education unit through its new HSC University Pathways program.
As a result, Year 12 students Annabelle Collins and Treigh Bonser-Karhu have been able to enrol into English Language in Use (EDEE100) during Trimester 2, completely free of charge, while still completing their high school studies.
“It’s been amazing to start uni early while still in high school. I think it’s one of my biggest achievements this year, and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come,” Annabelle said.
UNE Business Development Manager, Trent Donaldson, has worked with School Principal Tim Lloyd and Head Teacher Administration, Kylie Adams about the opportunity.
“We’ve always had a good partnership with UNE and this project is just an extension of that,” Mr Lloyd said. “It’s a golden opportunity for our students to get a head start, complete a university subject, and to de-mystify the whole university process.”
The program not only provides students with a taste of university-level study but also offers a
potential pathway into UNE’s undergraduate teacher education courses. It’s part of UNE’s commitment to developing future teachers in the New England North West region.
While it might seem difficult to undertake your final year of high school and complete a university level subject, there is plenty of support in place for both Annabelle and Treigh.
“The value of it outweighs the challenges, I think,” Mr Lloyd said. “That is the advantage of being at a smaller school: we know the kids really well and are able to support them.
“They’ve got careers advisors, year advisors, myself, classroom teachers; there’s lots of people around Treigh and Annabelle to make sure they can succeed to the best of their abilities.”
For Annabelle, the program has only reinforced her passion for educating the next generation.
“I’ve been interested in teaching for a very long time,” she said. “Seeing my teachers come into school passionate about helping other people and supporting students has helped me find my passion.”
Mr Lloyd said such efforts ‘fills you with a lot of pride in your students’.
“I just feel really proud of Annabelle and Treigh for what they are taking on … these guys are really talented and could do lots of different things, and for them to want to work with students and be involved in educating fills you with a real sense of pride - and grateful for the opportunity that’s been made available to them.”

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Early commencement program inspires local students

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