Science makes career formula for students

For the first time in Darwin, science, engineering and primary industries have opened their doors to a secondary student camp organised with Charles Darwin University.

Students sacrificed their last week of holidays to learn about career opportunities in science on the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) camp.

The select students visited industries, including the NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, Royal Darwin Hospital, North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas, and Paspaley Pearling Company.

Good Shepherd Lutheran College Year 10 student, Crystal Lenegan-Dry said the camp helped her choose which area of science she wanted to study after finishing high school.

“It’s so much fun and you learn a lot of new things,” Crystal said.

“I love science and I wanted a new experience, to explore different things, to see what I wanted to do (after high school) and get a lot of options.”

Students also visited Kakadu National Park, where rangers talked them through their roles and responsibilities at the park.

At each workplace, students toured the facilities, watched how staff members worked and listened to staff members talk about their jobs.

CDU Science Education Officer and camp organiser, John Sagun said the program helped students understand various aspects of different jobs and university courses, before they began working towards their careers.

“The response has been very positive from students,” Mr Sagun said.

“We are promoting the university as a science university to these students, so we can keep the talent here in Darwin.”

Students attended the PICSE camp as part of the Year 10, 11 and 12 Camp and Industry Placement Scholarship program. PICSE received funding for the camp from the Australian Maths and Science Partnerships Program.