Vacation school gives students a hands-on holiday

More than 400 high school students from around Queensland and northern New South Wales are using part of their holiday to take a vacation at the University of Queensland.

The annual Leo Howard Vacation School, from Sunday, January 12 to Friday, January 17, lets students commencing Year 12 experience the full range of study and lifestyle options at the University
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Co-ordinator Michael Crompton said the School offered a wide array of hands-on activities - from taking part in atom cooling and trapping and laser experiments in the Physics Department, visiting the Zoology Department's turtles, crocodiles and frogs enclosure, to carrrying out DNA analysis and protein analysis in the Anatomical Sciences Department.

'The School helps students make informed and realistic course and career choices,' he said. 'It includes lectures on the University's range of course offerings, information on entry requirements, career/employment possibilities and financial and accommodation issues, and tours of the St Lucia and Gatton campuses.

'A full social program includes a dance, barbeque, theatre sports and visits to the Schonell cinema. Participants also have time to use the University's sports facilities, with activities including canoeing, beach volleyball, tae kwon do, squash and touch football.'

Mr Crompton said the School, held annually since 1972, would again end with 'the legendary Great Court three-legged race' around the inside of the Great Court.

For more information, contact Michael Crompton (telephone 3365 4758, 015 749 959).
- Photograph opportunity: Great Court three-legged race from 10-10.45am Friday, January 17.