FOR WHOM:

24 bright 13-15 year-old students, from years 9-11, residents of Malta (participants need to be under the age of 16 during the camp).

OBJECTIVE:

To excite young learners about learning, to open new horizons for them, to help them better recognise their own potential, to encourage them to aim high particularly in the field of science and technology, as well as instilling an entrepreneurial mindset.

VENUE:

Mount St Joseph Retreat House. Equipment for teaching and learning is available in the main hall of the facility.

SELECTION:

All secondary schools students are being invited to participate in a cognitive reasoning test and to submit their proposals for an innovative AI application in a subject area they are passionate about. Participants are encouraged to explore the possible near-future scientific reality within the realm of science fiction, as well as, identify possible real world practical applications.

The online test will be held on 25-26th March, and the AI application submissions are to be uploaded on the designated portal by 16th April 2023. Shortlisted applicants might be called in for an interview. The 24 selected participants shall be notified by 9th June 2023.

EVENT DESCRIPTION:

Four days of focused activities going into various learning areas, run by the best specialised educators we can find. Sessions are not meant to follow National Curriculum in any way, but to excite the student about big ideas around a central multidisciplinary theme in the field of science and technology, as well as, to instil an entrepreneurial mindset and give the applicants a structured approach for developing innovative ideas.

The programme is being run in collaboration with the University of Malta, with a view to giving young talented students access to tertiary level content. The theme chosen for September 2023 is AI, which brings together various concepts from the engineering and computer science, covering exciting cutting-edge and sci-fi concepts, as well as, the practical applications and ethical issues around these innovations. The participants will also have sessions on entrepreneurship and will be divided into groups with a view to developing their own AI application which they will present to a ‘Shark-Tank’ type panel at the end of the week. These sessions will be interspersed with fun activities, such as a treasure hunt and a star-gazing astronomy session.

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR:

Ms Celine Suban

Celine is currently reading for a degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Malta, and hopes to use the knowledge she has gained in order to help others. She has taught various subjects enthusiastically, varying from reading to mathematics to programming, to both children and adults. Celine loves learning and spends her free time doing Massive Open Online Courses and reading. Being a board member at the Julian Pathfinder Foundation allows her to combine all of her passions and share her passions with other like-minded individuals, while contributing to making the world a better place.

Prof Pierre Schembri Wismayer M.D.(Melit.), Ph.D.(Glas.)

This year’s academic programme will be led by medical doctor / bioengineering researcher Prof Pierre Schembri Wismayer who is also on our Advisory Board. Pierre is a great believer in science education and regularly takes part in TV and Radio shows to encourage children to take up science.

Together Celine and Pierre will also rope in other lecturers and PhD students from their respective faculties to help deliver the programme.