Prized presence for gifted students

03 November 2009

Some of the state's brightest minds have been workshopping creativity with hundreds of central Queensland youngsters and organisers hope it will help retain local talent, writes Rebecca Perry.

A scene from this year's inaugural AIM Spring School in Mackay.

What do mathematics, the arts, science and information and communication technology (ICT) have in common?

In Mackay last week 310 gifted and talented students from 40 schools learnt from industry experts at a five-day symposium at Central Queensland University that creativity was vital to a host of subjects.

Dance workshops and treasure hunts using a GPS were among the activities for the Years 5 to 9 students who travelled from areas including Bowen, Clermont and Pioneer Valley to participate in AIM (Aptitude, Interest and Motivation) Spring School.

View the photo gallery.

Organiser Sue Hamilton-Smith, curriculum project officer for the Mackay-Whitsunday education region, said the event was inspired by the Year of Creativity.

'We set our goals high to get the best presenters and they all said yes,' Ms Hamilton-Smith said.

'Workshops featured actors from the Queensland Theatre Company, CSIRO scientists, a "math-magician", singer and songwriter Karen Jacobsen, performance poet Ross Clark and journalist Carrie Cox who inspired students to use ideas and innovation in their work.

'We are hoping students will go away from here asking themselves, "How can I lead a creative life?".'

Ms Hamilton-Smith said the successful event looked set to become a biennial feature on the central Queensland education calendar.

'Local teachers have used the event as professional development and students have also enjoyed workshops at school,' Ms Hamilton-Smith said.

'While giving talented students the chance to be challenged with like-minded peers, it is also very important for our region to retain talent.

'Rio Tinto donated $15,000 and Central Queensland University let us use their campus because local organisations want students to know they have world-class work and study choices on their doorstep.'

For more information email Sue Hamilton-Smith.