Thirty-two year 10 girls from throughout Central Queensland will attend the CQU inaugural Girls in Maths, Science and Technology Summer School to be held at the Rockhampton campus from Monday February 9 to Friday February 13.

The aim of the summer school is to encourage girls to explore career opportunities in maths, science and technology.

Students will have travelled from Baralaba, Biggenden, Biloela, Bundaberg, Clermont, Dysart, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Hughenden, Longreach, Mackay, Mirani, Mt Larcom, Mt Morgan, Moranbah, Sarina, Winton, Springsure, Tannum Sands and Tin Can Bay.

The summer school, which is funded by Education Queensland and Central Queensland University, will provide interesting and stimulating experiences in the fields of mathematics, science, information technology and engineering.

The program will include excursions, presentations by key women in related fields and team activities. Students will get an insight into police crime scene investigations, robotics, astronomy, pathology, chemistry, solar cars, non-invasive monitoring of fruit sweetness, health and human performance and railway engineering.

Coordinator and CQU biology lecturer Sheila Jeffery said the summer school aimed to encourage more girls from Central Queensland to continue their interest in these key areas.

“We hope that by participating in the summer school the girls will consider maths, science and technology subjects for years 11 and 12 and beyond, keeping their options open for future career pathways,” explained Mrs Jeffery.

The summer school has attracted huge interest from girls from throughout the region. Successful applicants were chosen due to their likelihood to gain the most benefit from the summer school’s activities.

“These girls may not necessarily be the highest achievers, but have demonstrated an interest and ability in mathematics and science subjects. We have chosen girls who we believe need encouragement to maintain their interest in studying these subjects,” Mrs Jeffery said.

Photo: Summer School coordinator Sheila Jeffery (left) and Olive Mallory (right) prepare student mentors Melanie Rosak and Haylee Weaver for next week's summer school.