High schools will receive application forms during term three for current Year 11 students wishing to attend the popular annual Leo Howard Vacation School at the University of Queensland.
Last year more than 430 high school students from north Queensland to northern New South Wales spent part of their Christmas holidays at the University.
The Leo Howard Vacation School, to be held from Sunday, January 10 to Friday, January 15 next year, lets students commencing Year 12 in 1999 experience a full range of University study and lifestyle options.
Students participated in a wide array of hands-on activities at the 1998 school. These included taking part in atom cooling and trapping and laser experiments in the Physics Department, surfing the net, seeing how cheezels are made, visiting the Zoology Department's koalas, echidnas and aquaculture facilities, and throwing frozen squash balls at a wall to discover fracture mechanics.
'The School helps students make informed and realistic course and career choices,' Vacation School organiser Felicia Smith said. 'It includes lectures on the University's range of course offerings, entry requirements, career/employment possibilities and financial and accommodation issues.
The 1999 School will offer tours of the St Lucia, Gatton and Ipswich campuses.
'A full social program includes a disco, barbecue, theatre sports and visits to the Schonell cinema and Amazons Aquatic Adventureland. Participants also have time to use the University's sports facilities, which include the swimming pool, squash courts, tennis courts and gym.
'The social program particularly allows students from isolated country areas to form a peer group network with other students who intend continuing on to University after finishing Year 12.'
Co-organiser Christine O'Loughlin said many participants enjoyed themselves so much they came back to help as Leo Howard Vacation School supervisors.
'Reactions from students were really positive. They enjoyed the lectures and social programs, particularly the Leo Olympics. Dunk your favourite supervisor was definitely the students' favourite event!' she said
Students can attend the School as residential or non-residential participants, with accommodation offered in several University residential colleges to gain the added experience of residential life on a University campus.
The Leo Howard Vacation School was founded by the late Dr Leo Howard (1924-1978), a senior lecturer in the University's Mathematics Department, and a Deputy Warden of Union College. Dr Howard developed a great rapport with students and fostered this through his love of teaching. The School has grown in popularity from 25 students in 1972 to more than 400 this year.
For more information about the School contact Ms Smith (telephone 07 3365 4758) or Ms O'Loughlin (telephone 07 3365 4752).
