October 21, 2020

UOW to welcome school students back on campus with Learning Labs

Fun, dynamic workshops open to students of all ages in a COVID-safe environment

The University of Wollongong’s Learning Labs will return in January 2021 with a series of workshops designed to keep kids engaged in the summer school holidays.

Learning Labs will celebrate its 10^th anniversary of providing fun, engaging and unique workshops to school students in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

Designed by UOW’s Outreach and Pathways team, Learning Labs is an academic and creative arts enrichment program for Year 1 to Year 10 students.

In 2021, the workshops will run across 13-15 January and 19-21 January.

Sarah Smith, Team Leader (Outreach) at UOW, said the University was thrilled to be able to relaunch Learning Labs, following the COVID-19-impacted program this year.

“Learning Labs is more than just an academic enrichment program. It is an opportunity for all students, from all backgrounds and experiences, to make connections, find friends with similar interests, and explore a range of dynamic topics,” Ms Smith said.

“For the students participating, it is an opportunity to engage with concepts they learn about at school in ways they could not even imagine. It makes learning truly fun and engaging for kids of all ages.

“We are delighted to be able to offer Learning Labs in 2021 and give all students the opportunity to come on campus, and see what it is like to explore their interests in a university environment.

“We have missed having students on campus and can’t wait to welcome everyone again.”

Younger participants, in Years 1 and 2, can take part in Little Learning Labs, over two days, or Little Mini-Labs, a one-day workshop, covering such topics as history, robotics, art, board game design, engineering, coding, and language.

Students in Year 3 to 6 can choose from the above as well as drama, Harry Potter-themed workshops, writing, forensics, and many more.

There are one- and two-day workshops open to high school students, in Years 7 to 10, including virtual reality, ocean engineering, visual arts, creating video games, creative writing, and history.

It is an excellent opportunity for students to meet like-minded friends, gain an insight into what life is like at University, and learn about new and fascinating topics. Workshops are run by UOW’s academics and PhD students.

All participants will be using UOW’s tutorial rooms, laboratories, and theatres, in a COVID-safe environment.

UOW’s Learning Labs will be run under a COVID-safe plan. Drop off and pick up will be adapted to allow for social distancing and strict hygiene standards will be in place.

For more information on UOW’s Learning Labs or to apply, email learning-labs@uow.edu.au or visit https://www.uow.edu.au/engage/outreach-pathways/learning-labs/wollongong-learning-labs/