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Play, learn and grow

Exciting and educational hands-on experiences where children explore, investigate, and get creative.

Children have fun, learn new things, and make new friends, as they explore our wide range of classes.

Our programs align with the NSW Science and Technology Syllabus, NSW Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus and the Australian Curriculum, with relevant and age-appropriate classes. Lessons are developed and delivered by trained and experienced educators in a safe and fun environment.

Our upcoming program

Summer 2024/2025

  • Dates and times: 16–23 December 2024 and 6–30 January 2025 (excluding weekends and public holidays)
    • Sign in: 8.30am – 9.30am
    • Pick up: 4pm – 5pm
    • Note: The first week of program falls within Term 4 for public schools. Some independent schools have holidays at this time. Please check your school’s holiday dates prior to booking.
  • Cost: $150 per day. The Academies are not registered for the Child Care Subsidy and no Government rebates are available.
  • Location: 13 Hadenfeld Ave, Macquarie University. Free temporary parking will be available in designated areas for drop-off and pick-up of children only.

Bookings open 25 November 2024.

View timetable and buy tickets

Academies

Macquarie University’s Junior Science Academy (JSA) and Junior Creative Academy (JCA) offer exciting and educational holiday experiences for primary school-aged children from Kindergarten to Year 7.

Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) concepts through engaging, hands-on activities... and get a little messy along the way! Children explore the world of science in a fun and safe environment. Classes vary each program, including content on:

  • space
  • dinosaurs
  • animals and nature
  • explosions
  • robotics
  • coding.

Release your inner creative with our new creative arts program. Develop creative skills and enhance creative thinking with fabulous and interactive learning experiences. Design and create masterpieces as you explore our range of creative courses. Class content varies each program, and can include:

  • painting
  • sketching
  • creative writing
  • cooking
  • augmented reality
  • photography.

We're excited to bring the highlights of our JSA and JCA programs to a vacation care near you. These mini sessions spotlight what our full programs have to offer, including:

  • blue bots to the rescue
  • chemical reactions
  • dino discovery
  • ink art
  • light and shadow: the art and science of Chinese lanterns
  • micro:bit magic
  • pizza: a feast of yeast!
  • reach for the stars
  • sound waves
  • spectacular spheros.
Program details
  • Age: Children from K–6
  • Length: Mini sessions 90–120 minutes.
  • Location: Incursions must be booked by and located in vacation care centres.
  • Capacity: 30 children per package. Please enquire about adjustments if you have more than 30 children attending your centre.

Our package options include:

  • Junior Science Academy incursions: JSA and JCA educators deliver the full experience, including setup, running activities and pack up
  • DIY experiences: Resources will be provided to you, complete with lesson plans for your Vacation Care Educators to deliver. Our team will then collect remaining resources and equipment after the event.

To make a booking or find out more, contact juniorscience@mq.edu.au.