January 2019 Summer camp
Our 2019 summer camp ran from 20-26th January with the usual packed programme of two-day projects, short electives, science communication workshops and free-time options.
Once again feedback from our end of week surveys were hearteningly positive as exemplified by these students' feedback typical of the cohort overall.
“Everything was really done properly and perfectly for us as year 13 students and we were treated as `future scientists' .We had so many options to choose from and we are all leaving with lots of memories and a special experience here at Otago University”.“It has been an absolutely amazing experience. The `Greenshirts' have made me feel so welcome throughout the week, which has in turn made me incredibly comfortable in my own skin. From that, I've been able to interact with new people in such a way that it feels like we've been friends for years.”
July 2019 Winter camp
A full programme of science learning ran daily from 8.30am – 3pm, and this included lectures, labs, and workshops. A range of free-time options was offered on four of the five days and evening sessions focused on final preparation and rehearsals for Friday public Science Communication presentations.
On Wednesday afternoon there was a strong focus on 'Transitions to Tertiary' with opportunity to meet with course advisors, some of last year's Science Academy (OUASSA) Alumni now at Otago and an introduction to 1st Year University life from the `Greenshirts'.
An additional Science Academy (OUASSA) Alumni event was made possible through some additional funding from the University's 150th Celebration Fund. This allowed us to bring down six alumni from the first three years of the programme (2011-2013) for an evening panel session where they shared their post OUASSA career path and what they are doing now.
Download the January 2019 Student Timetable (PDF)
Teacher development
Science Academy (OUASSA) is unique also in that we also provide Teacher Professional Development.
Two 4-day workshops are also held during the students' camp week.
Eighteen teachers from our participating schools took part in our Summer workshop