The University of Otago’s 32nd and latest annual week-long camp ended yesterday with 393 visiting pupils giving a series of lively three-minute research reports.
Many pupils used videos, often taken with cellphones and adeptly combined with music, to report back, through 35 project groups, to fellow pupils at the university’s 500-seat main St David lecture theatre yesterday morning.
During the camp, pupils undertook research in the mornings in a wide range of disciplines, including surveying as well as English and linguistics.
And in the afternoons, pupils tried briefer "snack"activities, which enabled them to sample a broader range of subjects.
Organising committee convener Dr Judith Bateup said that the cancellation of many events last year because of Covid-19 restrictions had added to the fun of taking part.
"There was an extra spark of joy about being able to congregate in a large group.
"They’re just throwing themselves into everything,"she said.
A record 750 pupils had applied for the school, which could only accommodate 400, but many pupils could reapply for next year, she said.
Charlotte Alston, a senior pupil, of Wellington, said she had enjoyed the mix of fun and the opportunity to learn more about future educational options available at Otago University.
"It’s very interesting. I met a lot of new people," she said.
Organisers said that four new research projects, including music production, engineering, oral rehabilitation and accounting, were offered this year.
