While many of us are spending our holidays at the beach, overseas or anywhere but uni, our lecturers are still prepping classes and events for Intensive School.
Intensive School is an opportunity for CSU online students to meet their lecturers and fellow students and complete activities for their subjects on campus.
Senior lecturer from the Centre for Law and Justice, Dr Kath McFarlane, is one of the many lecturers still busily working away behind-the-scenes of Law Intensive Schools.
So, what goes into planning a Intensive School?
Dr McFarlane has been involved in organising Law Intensive Schools a year ahead of when it begins in January 2018.
Her role includes organising guest lectures so students can learn from the experience of other professionals. In the upcoming Intensive School, the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG (Australia’s longest-serving judicial officer) will be delivering a public lecture at Bathurst Campus, and facilitating workshops for the students.
Dr McFarlane said organising this included inviting His Honour to talk about his chosen topic; inviting lawyers from the region including Dubbo, Orange and beyond and anyone else who would be interested; organising travel; choosing the venue, photography and other logistics; and getting the students excited and prepared with questions.
While this is a short list of what is involved, it’s good to remember that the uni doesn’t close as soon as you’re on holidays.
Why is Intensive School important?
Dr McFarlane says reading in a textbook is the first step, but our learning becomes real when it’s happening all around us. Events like this create the opportunity for CSU Law students to get exposure to high-profile people who prove that judicial topics are important and relevant today, not just 100 years ago.
The Centre for Law and Justice hopes that from Law Intensive School, their students gain a renewed passion and commitment to law, get curious about how to make change in the world and are exposed to different ideas to inspire their career path.
How to make the most of Intensive School?
Dr McFarlane’s top tip is to actually come to Intensive School. She says that while some are voluntary and you can catch up, the things you learn and people you meet are not possible if you are not there. It is a chance for you to understand and connect with the subject, and if you don’t come, you’re missing that chance.
