Source: University of Otago
Capturing the moment – some of the student ‘blue shirts’ who were on campus in 2021.
In January, a different sort of student will be making the most of what the University of Otago has to offer.
From Sunday, 15 January to Friday, 20 January 2023, 386 students from 177 secondary schools across New Zealand will be in Dunedin to take part in a fun and varied immersive programme – Whai Wheako i Ōtākou, Hands-On at Otago.
The programme gives senior secondary students (those who will be in Years 12 and 13 in 2023) a taste of student life at Otago, with the aim of encouraging them to consider tertiary study, especially at Otago.
Hands-On at Otago Co-Convenor Prajesh Chhanabhai says, “We couldn’t hold the programme in-person in 2022 because of COVID‑19, so we’re thrilled to be able to welcome students back to this great campus. They’ll get to experience a very exciting line-up of activities and events.”
The students stay in two residential colleges. They take part in research projects, try out other university subjects and get to enjoy a broad social and recreational programme.
Secondary school students have some fun at one of the hands-on sessions in 2021.
A wide range of departments and schools are involved and the students experience everything from dissection and explosions to using medieval manuscripts and swimming in the flume.
Mr Chhanabhai says, “As well as getting a taste of the wide range of learning and research opportunities Otago has to offer, the students also get to make new friends by taking part in lots of fun activities, such as sports and games, quiz nights, and dance and lip sync battles.
“It’s great to see the enthusiasm and excitement they bring to everything and how much they learn in such a short space of time.”
Co-Convenor Lisa Russell thanked the departments that take part, acknowledging all their hard work.
“The great experiences organised by the departments are the core of the programme. Dozens of staff work really hard, often coming back early from their holidays, to make sure this is a truly memorable week for the students who take part.”
Dr Russell says in 2023, 105 of the young people attending will be on a scholarship.
“We are very lucky to have 14 scholarship providers and that support means more students can access the programme.”
Hands-On at Otago aims to include a diverse range of students from different backgrounds. About a third of those attending will be Māori and Pacific students.
Kōrero by Andrea Jones, Team Leader, Divisional Communications
