Year 11 students to be briefed on UQ Vacation school
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.
The Leo Howard Vacation School, to be held from Sunday, January 9 to Friday, January 14 next year, lets students about to commence Year 12 experience a full range of University study options and life on a University campus.
Students participated in a wide array of hands-on activities at the 1999 school. These included an interactive murder trial, Human Movement Studies stress testing, web activities and a close up look at the Zoology Department's crocodiles and marine animals.
"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 issues related to finances, accommodation and adjusting to University.
The 2000 School will again offer tours of the University's Gatton and Ipswich campuses, in addition to St Lucia where the School is based. Last year more than 450 high school students from Queensland, New South Wales and as far afield as Fiji spent part of their Christmas holidays at the University.
"A full social program includes a disco, barbecue, theatre sports with the Queensland Theatre Company, 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," Ms Smith said.
"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 Gabrielle O'Brien said many participants enjoyed themselves so much they came back to help as Leo Howard Vacation School supervisors. 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 450 this year.
For more information about the School contact Ms Smith (telephone 07 3365 4758) or Ms O'Brien (telephone 07 3365 4752).
