Vice-Chancellor's STEM regional camp
STEM to Benefit Humanity – Year 11 STEM Camp
In 2013, high-achieving Year 11 students will have an exciting opportunity to attend an interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) camp and engage in solving some of the major challenges facing our society and planet in the twenty-first century. Students will take advantage of the unique learning environment of QUT’s new Science and Engineering Centre with an opportunity to experience ground-breaking research as it happens, inside world-class research facilities.
The QUT Vice-Chancellor’s STEM camp will give students a taste of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines by engaging in a hands-on, intensive exploration of a project in their chosen discipline. Students will work in teams of 3-4 and apply their creativity and investigative skills on topics such as: addressing environmental issues; solving problems in the energy, food and medical sectors; and improving information dissemination and security.
Students will experience real university laboratories and learning spaces, and will interact with current QUT STEM students, academic staff and leading researchers to find out what life is like on the university campus. It is important to emphasize that activities will be used to link the importance of STEM to career opportunities in those fields.
The STEM Camp is an intellectually challenging four day event, run in the mid semester holiday break, June 2013. The camp is fully funded by QUT – there is no cost for students to attend and it is open to both regional students and local South-East Queensland students.
- Regional students (boarding) – the residential enrolment is limited to 40 students.
- South-East Queensland students – 40 day passes are available to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast students
Date and Time
- Regional Students (boarding):
- Monday 24 – Friday 28 June
- QUT STEM Camp:
- Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 June
- 9.30am – 4.30pm
Eligibility Requirements
To be accepted into this program, students must be:
- a current Queensland Year 11 student
- studying a science (Physics, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental or Biology), Mathematics, Engineering Technology or Computer Science
- aged 15 as of 1 June, 2013
- given parental/guardian permission.
Costs
2013 QUT STEM Camp is free for all participating students.
There are two categories to apply for:
- Regional students (boarding)
- 40 places available
- transport to Brisbane (from applicant’s closest airport or train station), accommodation, all meals, program materials and activities.
- South-East Queensland students (Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast) attending day sessions
- 40 places available
- lunch, program materials and activities.
South-East Queensland students are welcome to join the evening program of events – students are responsible for obtaining parent/guardian permission and all transport arrangements for these events.
Application
Applications open
- 28 March 2013
Applications close
- 5pm (COB), April 30 2013
Letters notifying applicants of admittance will be emailed approximately mid May.
Space is limited and applications will be judged competitively, based on quality of the statement of purpose, strength of the letters of recommendation and academic standing.
Enrolment is limited to 40 spaces (regional students, boarding) and 40 places (south-east Queensland students, day passes).
It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that all application materials are received before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application process
Category 1: South-East Queensland students
- Read the application guidelines on page 1 and 2 of the application form.
- Complete and submit the Local Student Application Form with signed permission from your parent/guardian.
- Include with application the following supporting documents:
- written statement of purpose (300 words) describing your interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
- one letter of recommendation from your science or maths teacher/guidance officer or principal
- your Term 4 Year 10 and Term 1 Year 11 high school academic report.
Download an application form as a:
Download a Letter of Recommendation as a:
Category 2: Regional students (boarding)
- Read the application guidelines.
- Complete and submit the Local Student Application Form with signed permission from your parent/guardian
- Include with application the following supporting documents:
- written statement of purpose (300 words) describing your interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
- one letter of recommendation from your science or maths teacher/guidance officer or principal
- your Term 4 Year 10 and Term 1 Year 11 high school academic report.
Download an application form as a:
Download a Letter of Recommendation as a
Regional student (boarding) information
Transportation
Transport costs are funded by QUT from the applicant’s closest airport/train station.
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of the applicant to get to their point of departure and to pick them up on their return. It is also the applicant and parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that they meet all travel plans for flights or trains made by QUT.
QUT are not responsible for missed flights or trains.
- On arrival applicants will be met:
- on Monday 24 June
- at either Brisbane Domestic Airport or Roma Street Train Station.
- On departure applicants will be:
- escorted to the Brisbane Domestic Airport or Roma Street Train Station
- assisted with travelling to their designated destination.
Flights/trains will be booked on applicant’s confirmation of acceptance into the Camp.
Boarding accommodation
Students will be housed at Brisbane City YHA’s specialist school/education group facility. Swipe keys are required to access all bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas. QUT has reserved this space for exclusive use.
Students will share a 4 or 6 bed dorm with fellow participants. Rooms will be single sex only. Each modern, dormitory style bedroom is air-conditioned and equipped with lockable lockers, bed linen and towels and with a private en-suite consisting of shower, wash basin and toilet.
QUT group leaders will be accommodated in twin share rooms on the same floor. There will be 1:5 adult to student ratio.
Breakfast is provided at the YHA. Lunch and dinner is provided on campus at QUT.
Brisbane City YHA is pro-active in taking preventative measures at its property to ensure they maintain the highest possible standards in the field of risk management. YHA staff are trained and capable of handling emergency situations.
QUT group leaders
All QUT group leaders are QUT senior students or staff of QUT, who have been carefully selected by University staff.
All QUT group leaders have Blue Card qualifications and will reside at YHA for the full duration of the camp.
Conditions of acceptance
If students are accepted to the camp the following conditions need to be met:
- Students will be required to sign a behavioural contract.
- Students will need to confirm their attendance and send all medical emergency forms, including dietary requirements, by 30 May 2013.
