Gifted primary school students spend a day at UOW
12 Nov 2008 | Kate McIlwain
Ten or eleven years old may seem a little young to start planning life after school, but 27 academically gifted primary school students will spend a day at university tomorrow.
The Wollongong Academically Gifted class, made up from 20 different primary schools from Minnamurra to Helensburgh, will visit the University of Wollongong for the day, and will even have a chance to talk to the Vice-Chancellor about their future plans.
The class is for talented Year Five and Six students in the Illawarra. It has been running for 16 years, and many students who have been in the class have gone on to study at UOW.
Class coordinator Chester Meurant said that some students who went through the class are now studying medicine or completing PhDs at the University.
“We’ve got a lot of alumni who have come to Wollongong University, but this is the first time ever that the academically gifted program has brought its students here to see the university,” Mr Meurant said.
“Now, they are coming because it is really part of their future.”
The students will be given a tour of the University Recreation Centre, Medical School and library, and they will look at an exhibition by Graphic Design students who have completed their Masters. The students will also take part in a biology workshop and meet with Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton.
Mr Meurant says that the students are used to having important visitors during their classes – he said “they will treat the Vice-Chancellor just as another visitor.”
“Meeting them is very interesting. Don’t repeat yourself because they jump on you! They’re very bright, very clever and very focused – a lot of fun!” he said.
Photo/filming opportunities
The Academically Gifted class will arrive at UOW at 9.30am. They will be meeting with Vice-Chancellor Gerard Sutton at 11.10am in the amphitheatre behind Bldg 36 (Administration). In the event of bad weather, they will meet in building 25, room 128.
The students will be having lunch at the UOW Food Court between 11.50am and 12.45pm.
For more details about the schedule of the visit, or any other information please contact Kate McIlwain on (02) 4221 3290
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