UQ Gatton turns on a FEAST for school students.

UQ Gatton is planning an Easter FEAST for Years 11-12 students keen to sample university life.

But get in fast – only 40 places are available for this year’s live-in Future Experiences in Agriculture Science and Technology (FEAST) at UQ Gatton from April 21-25.

The Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association has helped plan a smorgasbord of activities including study and career planning sessions, workplace visits to leading companies and agribusiness enterprises, and a comprehensive social program with semi-formal dinner and guest speaker.

Coordinator Anthony Smith said FEAST gave students a chance to look at careers, develop problem-solving skills and learn more about course options and university life.

“A major component is a problem-solving exercise where students are assigned roles to deal with a real-life scenario such as a food poisoning outbreak or an environmental disaster,” he said.

“Participants receive parts of the puzzle and have to network and filter information to arrive at the solution.”

Other hands-on activities will introduce students to the wide range of study options in agribusiness, agriculture, horticulture, environmental science and management, veterinary science and animal studies on the University’s Gatton and St Lucia campuses.

“The FEAST program is extremely popular with high school students. It offers a great opportunity to learn about the production of food and fibre in a sustainable environment,” Mr Smith said.

“The facilities offered are first-class and a high proportion of FEAST participants late enrol at the University.”

For more information about being part of FEAST 2003, contact Christine Ablett (telephone 07 54601 279).

Media: For more information, contact Anthony Smith telephone 07 54601 229 or 0409 265 587.