More than 550 high school students from Queensland and interstate have enrolled in the 2000 Leo Howard Vacation School at The University of Queensland next week.
The annual school, open to students commencing Year 12 in 2000, will be held from Sunday, January 9 to Friday, January 14.
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay said the School would expose participants to a full range of University study and lifestyle options.
"The School helps students to make informed and realistic course and career choices," Professor Hay said.
"It includes talks on the University's course offerings and career possibilities, lectures similar to those first-year students experience in their chosen areas of study, and information on preparing for university, financial issues and accommodation."
Hands-on activities this year include remote monitoring of wildlife, making artificial food, a visit to the anatomy dissection room, robotics demonstrations, a writers' workshop, designing web pages and a "mock" murder trial.
Students attend the School as residential or non-residential participants, with accommodation offered in University residential colleges to gain the added experience of living on a University campus. The 2000 School will offer tours of the St Lucia campus and its colleges, a tour and overnight stay at UQ Gatton and a visit to UQ Ipswich.
The full social program includes theatre sports with the Queensland Theatre Company, a disco, barbecue and visits to Amazons Aquatic Adventureland and the Schonell cinema. Participants also can use University sports facilities including 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.
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 its first intake of 25 students in 1972.
Further information: Office of Marketing and Communications, telephone 07 3365 1120.
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