“Getting young people interested in STEM [science, technology, engineering, maths] careers is a priority for government”, says David Willetts, Science Minister. It is also a priority for Shropshire based girls’ school, Moreton Hall.
Through an advanced and unique programme, the school is leading the way in offering stretch and challenge experiences in STEM subjects to Year 12 and 13 pupils. In addition to the innovative term time agenda for the students, last August saw a highly successful Biomedical Science Summer School being launched. For 2015 this is being extended to include academic streams in pure and applied mathematics, the physical sciences and chemistry.
“Our aim has been to develop meaningful links between ourselves, industry, universities and local state schools, with a heavy focus on the STEM subjects,” says Principal, Jonathan Forster. “Between us we are committed to inspiring and educating students to a high level in these subjects, ensuring that we offer universities – and subsequently employers – world class students and employees. The holiday period is a great opportunity for the keen STEM students from all schools to benefit from Moreton’s facilities and connections and take their learning to a higher level.” A number of generous scholarships and assisted places are being offered.
Course co-coordinator, Dr David Kelly adds: “Because we are working with two top class universities – Birmingham and Keele – we are able to offer the highest level of academic development, appropriately tailored to keen students who have just completed their AS Levels or equivalent. We also have a network of professional scientists, engineers and medical practitioners working with us on the programme who are able to translate the learning experiences into an industrial or professional context.”
The nine day residential programme offers exceptional opportunities for those seeking to apply to UK universities in 2016, exposing them to experiences far beyond any which a university would expect an applicant to have had. Students are also offered extensive personalised support in preparing a perfect UCAS personal statement.
The Biomedical component of the course will also be extended with the significant input of Birmingham University’s Dr Melissa Grant, Senior Lecturer in Dentistry (and Old Moretonian).
“The course was exceptional and I would implore anyone with a flare for science and an unquenchable thirst to learn more about the world as we know it to make the most of the opportunity and go for it. You won’t regret it”, says a young scientist of the programme.
“It was 240 straight hours of intensive science. I ate it, I drank it, I breathed it. My eyes were opened to a whole new level of thinking!” concluded another student.