The Year 7 students took part in eight activities inspired by courses at the Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie Campus.

The activities included abstract thought-based drawing, a fitness test and a team building activity with a marine environment flavour.

CSU Port Macquarie head of campus Professor Heather Cavanagh said she hoped the Year 7 students took away the message that education was fun.

“You never stop learning and never stop asking why,” she said.

“It [the schools day] is establishing links with schools and the university so we can work together to raise aspirations to really encourage that love of learning and get the kids to realise that learning is fun.”

The university also encourages the community and schools to feel a sense of ownership at the campus.

St Columba Anglican School student Nicola Awad said the November 18 schools day was a great experience.

“I loved it,” the 12-year-old said.

“It gives us something to definitely look forward to in the future.

“It’s amazing to have somewhere to learn and a university as great as this in Port Macquarie.”

Nicola said university study was a priority.

“To figure out what I want to do in the future is such a big part of growing up,” she said.

Future Moves program coordinator Tanya Brown said the schools day was an opportunity for Year 7 students to visit the campus and participate in activities related to the courses on offer.

The students were drawn from Camden Haven High School, Hastings Secondary College Westport and Port Macquarie campuses, St Joseph’s Regional College and St Columba Anglican School.

Other schools were invited but unable to attend.

Mrs Brown said visiting the campus and meeting the staff and students made university more familiar when thinking about post-school options.

Three days of celebration at CSU Port Macquarie Campus marked the official campus opening, the schools day and a community day.