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Science 4 U at St Josephs College, Bradford

St Josephs College, BradfordThe focus of this innovation was to encourage girls to have the confidence and recognise their ability to pursue Science subjects at Advanced level.

Thirty students were given the opportunity to take part in a work related project involving two days in Industry and two days in Higher Education.

The project had a strong emphasis on problem solving and practical skills acquisition. The students were divided into six groups, three of which were based at Yorkshire Water.

These groups were given the task of conceptualising and designing mixing systems for reservoir dead zones. Two more groups spent their time at Transco, where they designed and worked out the parameters for a 99% fail safe mechanism for a gas holder and the final group worked with the Civil Engineering group White Young Green. Their task was to simulate the safe removal of a bridge over Leeds City Station.

After their hands on experience all the students spent one day at either The University of Leeds or The University of Bradford visiting their extensive Science Departments. Here they found out about current research, helped solve scientific problems and discovered the opportunities available for a career in Science.

 

On the fourth day the students all gathered at the University of Bradford for a session about presenting their work using PowerPoint and on the final day gave high quality presentations at the University. The audience included their parents, teachers, governors, friends from the industry, Setpoint staff and University staff. The initial links with industry and funding was provided by Setpoint.

Achievements

This project proved to be a tremendous confidence building activity and a real "can do" mentality developed amongst the students. At GCSE the students involved either met or exceeded their target grade. Statistics reveal that the majority of the students involved have opted for at least one Science subject in their applications to Sixth Form.

Their achievement in Science is either on or exceeding target grades. Excellent sustainable partnerships developed with the students, the school, Industry and H.E. This project played a part in our successful bid to become a Specialist Science College.