Teenager takeover at the University

Hundreds of children have descended on the University for summer events which offered a taste of higher education.

Some experienced life as Teesside students during the Higher Education Residential Summer School, while others were transformed into budding scientists at the Chemistry at Work event.

Explore a wide range of subjects

The Residential Summer School enables Year 10 pupils (aged 14 and 15) from schools across the Tees Valley to explore a wide range of subjects including marketing, health, sports psychology, forensics, animation and radio broadcasting.

Among those taking part were 15-year-olds Amy Wilkins and Matthew Lowe, who both start their final year at secondary school in September.

Amy, from Redcar Community College, said: ‘I really enjoyed the ice-breaking events and getting to know people from the other schools.

‘Taking part in the lectures was really good and I enjoyed going into University’s radio studio to do a broadcast. I am planning to go to university and this has let me see for myself what it is like to be a student.’

A great experience

Matthew, from Grangefield School in Stockton, said: ‘The lectures we went to were really good and I enjoyed it being residential. It has been a great experience. It has made me think about coming to Teesside as I was really impressed by the facilities.’

Meanwhile over 700 children from schools across the Tees Valley enjoyed the two-day Chemistry at Work event, which offers 14 and 15-year-olds insight into how chemistry and science are used in the workplace and everyday life.

Interactive sessions were delivered by Cleveland Fire Brigade, Avecia, BOC, Teesside Power Station, University Hospital of North Tees, The James Cook University Hospital and forensic scientists from the University of Teesside. A range of chemical experiments were also demonstrated by Geoff Bell, science education consultant from North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC).

Chemistry at work

Among those at Chemistry at Work were 14-year-olds James Robertson and Hannah Coxon, from St Michael’s School in Billingham. James said: ‘I’ve really enjoyed it, especially the chemistry experiments. The session on forensics was really interesting too.’

Chemistry at Work is organised by NEPIC’s Science Education Unit and hosted at the University of Teesside. It is sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry and One North East.

Leila Elliott, NEPIC Science Education Unit Manager, said: ‘NEPIC is totally committed to attracting students to study science at school and university and join one of the many successful science companies in the North East.’

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