Photo Finish

fresh perspectives

These pictures were taken by U School students on photographic forays around the U of A's North Campus. U School is an initiative of Chancellor Linda Hughes, '03 LLD (Honorary), and the U of A Senate to provide a week-long range of new learning and discovery opportunities for Grades 4-9 students from socially vulnerable schools.

"The younger grades are an ideal time to capture students' imaginations about the opportunities a university education can provide," says Lisa Brunelle, '90 BEd, U School co-ordinator for the Office of the Senate. "This year, 15 classes from Edmonton's public and Catholic school systems attended."

U School students celebrate at a special spring ceremony held at the Horowitz Theatre where each participant receives a certificate from Chancellor Hughes.

"The strength of the program is due to our wonderful presenters and volunteers from the campus community," says Brunelle.

Photography session volunteer Vi Warkentin from the Office of Alumni Affairs uses her own photographs as examples to teach students the six elements of photography: colour, contrast, patterns, perspective, symmetry and texture. After the in-class lesson, the students are given cameras and sent out in small groups to take photos illustrating these elements. When they return to the classroom, there's an excited buzz as everyone shares the images they've captured.

"It's exciting to have the students race back into class to show me their favourite shots," says Warkentin. "It's fulfilling to see them get as excited about photography as I do."

"And as you can see," adds Brunelle, "many students have an eye for photography. Maybe one day we'll be buying their work."

Visit www.uschool.ualberta.ca for more information or to volunteer with U School. See more photos in the slide show below.