January 13, 2017

Learning Labs ignite passion in high-achieving students

From Hogwarts to Spanish lessons and everything in between. 

Ocean engineering, 3D printing and creative writing are just some of the activities currently being enjoyed by Illawarra school students during a specially designed school holiday program for high-achievers.

From 11-17 January more than 950 school students will descend on the UOW and Innovation Campus for the 2017 In2Uni Learning Labs program, exploring a range of topics and igniting their interest in tertiary education.

The Learning Labs program is for students in Year 1 to Year 10 that are academically gifted and performing in the top 10-15 per cent in their area of interest. Now in its 11th cycle (5th year), the program has proven extremely popular, with participating student numbers having almost quadrupled over the past two years.

In2Uni Program Coordinator, Sarah Smith, said this is just the beginning of what the program could eventually bring to the Illawarra area.

“The Learning Labs program has really taken off in the past few years,” she said.

“We have children and families who have travelled from Victoria and all around NSW just to take part in the workshops- many of whom have returned year on year.

“It’s amazing to think how the program has expanded since the first year, and it’s only getting bigger.”

Each workshop will be held over two days and is designed to be rigorous and challenging, whilst stimulating the interest and curiosity of the students. Students are given the opportunity to explore the university campus and facilities and socialise with like-minded peers.

• Little Labs (Years 1 & 2) took place on 5-6 January, with students participating in workshops such as 3D printing, Spanish classes, introductory physics and creative writing.
• Early Labs (Years 3-6) occurred 10-11 January, with workshops such as drama, forensics, innovative sustainability and Welcome to Hogwarts.
• Learning Labs (Years 7-10) will be on campus over 16-17 January, with workshops exploring such topics as legal ethics, ocean engineering, musical mathematics, and lego robotics.

For more information about the Learning Labs program, or other In2Uni programs, please visit the website or contact the In2Uni team at in2uni@uow.edu.au or on (02) 4221 5557.