In the July school holidays Rhea Cue and Sophia Songberg, Year 12, participated in the prestigious Professor Harry Messel International Science School in Sydney.
The International Science School (the ISS) is a tremendous experience that occurs every two years. This year, the ISS gathered 133 Year 11 and 12 students from 8 different countries including Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, India, Singapore, Thailand, the UK and US. It brought together people who shared a common passion for Science, Engineering and Mathematics. The program was based at the University of Sydney with boarding at Kincoppal and Kambala and dining at the Women’s College.
The theme this year for the science school was BIG: big experiments, big discoveries, big ideas. The program consisted of lectures by world-renowned scientists, such as Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and the famous cosmologist Lawrence Krauss; laboratory tours of both Sydney University and ANSTO (Australian National Nuclear Research and Development Organisation); hands-on activities such as the Science and Engineering Challenge and even some amazing social events such as a dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour, a talent night, and bush dance night. Along with these activities included formal events such as a gala reception in the great hall at Sydney University where students met with past scholars and sponsors.
This was the first ISS since it commenced in 1958 in which Professor Harry Messel, the founder of the program was not present. Unfortunately he passed away during the two weeks, but he will always be remembered by all past, present and future participants of the ISS.
Rhea and Sophia thank all of their science teachers, who made this opportunity possible for and have helped fostered their love for science. The ISS was an experience of a lifetime and a priceless experience for those with a deep passion for science.
