Forty-two senior high school students from as far north as Mackay and as far south as Gayndah converged on CQUniversity Rockhampton this week for a 'great race' across campus...

The race was designed to engage students in a range of problem-based learning team activities, in order to enhance their knowledge about the University and its resources.

Great Race participants hot foot it across campus

CQUniversity's Widening Participation Program Manager Stacey Wallace says the program also aimed to give participants a taste of life as a university student.

"They stayed at the student residences on campus and took on challenges involving tasks that Uni students perform in their studies, such as referencing and finding resources in the Library," Ms Wallace says.

Program organisers Annette Thompson and Sarah Law say some of the other challenges involved a rock-climbing relay, the identification of Uni support options, 'no-hands' jelly eating and leaky water bucket relays.

"The beauty of this program is that the students acquire essential information, and navigate a university through fun and interactive games," Ms Thompson says.

Mapping the task ahead

"In addition to building confidence and resourcefulness, students also improved their problem-solving and group work skills - all useful when transitioning to university for the first time," Ms Law adds.

Participants gave feedback mentioning the useful 'insights' into Uni life, the 'fun' activities, and the great friendships made.

There are already plans to run similar programs on the Mackay and Bundaberg campuses in 2013.

 
A great gathering before the start of the race 
Winners are grinners 
Climbing to new heights 
Something to chew over along the way

The Uni Bookshop was among the race stations

Puzzles along the way