From the world’s largest sand island to watching major sports matches – five Year 12 students have experienced the trip of a lifetime with University of the Sunshine Coast.
The group joined scientists on a trip to some of the world’s most stunning and educational places from Brisbane through the Sunshine Coast and north to the Fraser Coast and K’gari (Fraser Island), as winners of UniSC’s Best Field Trip in the World competition.
“Seeing the students doing practical assignments with the support of the scientists out on K’gari shows us that university is not just a fairy tale.
The four-day field trip featured whale-watching, a trip to the world’s largest sand island, cultural immersion, a premier netball match, joining a rugby league match with a human biomechanics expert, an encounter with robotic dogs, and a chance to join current UniSC students on their outdoor field trip.
The winning students were Jacob Browne of Meridan State College, Jack Peck of Caloundra State High School, Casey Springhall of Kingaroy State High School, Kristen Rowlands of St Patricks College in Mackay and Sophia Sidney of Deception Bay High School.
Sophia said the trip had been a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.
“Honestly, it’s amazing. I’ve had the best time,” Sophia said.
“This is a real-life experience, with real support available. I think we would all want to make a change if we are inspired by reality checks like this, instead of social media.”
Casey said it was “definitely the best field trip in the world”.
“I loved the netball and footy and touring Suncorp Stadium. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes. I also loved the robot dogs and driving them around, and learning more about photography,” she said.
“I never realised University was so hands-on. I thought you just go in a classroom, get chatted to by a lecturer and that was it, but that’s not the case. I’ve seen the sorts of cool jobs you can have after getting your degree.”
The trip ran Friday 21 to Monday 24 June.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said what made the trip particularly special was that winners were accompanied by subject matter experts.
“They're not just watching a football match, they’re going behind the scenes with a sport exercise scientist to dig deeper and learn more,” Professor Bartlett said.
Professor Bartlett, said the field trip covered three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the only place in the world where three sat side-by-side.
A biosphere reserve is globally recognised as an ‘international site of excellence’ where people live and work sustainably alongside active conservation and sustainable development.
“This is very true to the student ‘field trip’ experience because as part of nearly every degree offered by UniSC, students complete work-integrated learning alongside leaders in the industry, outside of the classroom.”
“Biospheres are not only ecologically fascinating and beautiful places to conduct study and conservation work, but they are also closely located to places where people live, learn and interact with the landscape,” Professor Bartlett said.
“As a university that places enormous focus on research, campus operation and education that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, we are fortunate to have access to such a rich network of landscapes, biodiversity, cultural heritage and communities,” she said.
UNESCO lists seven types of ecosystem-specific networks globally, and Queensland’s biospheres encompass five – mangroves, marine coastal and island areas, mountains, tropical forest and wetlands.
They stretch 222 kilometres, from the world’s largest sand island K’gari through coastlines and waterways to the subtropical rainforests and mountains of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
The 2023 Good Universities Guide rated UniSC Queensland’s top public university for overall student educational experience, teaching quality, learner engagement, skills development, student support and learning resources.
UniSC has also become a global champion for sustainability, topping Queensland for impact on climate change in the recent Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au