‘I'm a Scientist’ Launch

Y7, Y8 and Y9 pupils have been invited to participate in a new online initiative called ‘I’m A Scientist: At Home’. The virtual activity helps pupils connect with scientists and engineers directly through a secure, monitored online chat forum. This week, pupils spoke to Scientists working in genetics, microbiology, research, medicine, environmental science, computer modelling, bio-economies and chemistry, as well as an environmental councillor, technician and a university professor.

Pupils sometimes struggle to see the applications of science lessons, especially if they don’t currently have science-related aspirations. These meaningful interactions with working scientists are therefore invaluable. It has also helped them discover a vast array of STEM careers available to them – many of which they had never heard of before allowing them to get excited about science and consequently more engaged in lessons. The text-based platform enables all students to have an equal voice, even those too shy to speak up in class, taking direct control of questions they would like answered. A truly inspiring initiative. Liverpool College will continue to utilise this superb programme until July, when prizes will be awarded.

Mrs Doran

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Year 7 Wilton Scholar Workshop

North West Gifted and Talented led an excellent virtual workshop on Friday for 30 Year 7 Wilton Scholars (a group of pupils who have demonstrated high levels of academic excellence). Determined that during lockdown our pupils should still be stretched and challenged, the event was a masterclass to encourage lateral thinking and problem solving. Pupils were even given an opportunity to flex their debating muscles as they discussed a series of philosophical questions. Organised and supervised by Mrs Doran, the event lasted over an hour and utilised video conferencing to enable pupils to participate almost as fully as they would in a classroom environment. This event was the first of a series of such events organised for the pupils this term. 

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Y12 Support Webinars

Liverpool Hope University led a fascinating series of webinars on Friday, attended by selected Y12 students and the Liverpool College careers team. Talks included how to write effective and eye catching personal statements for university.

Mrs Doran

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Apprenticeship Workshop and Bespoke Support

Every pupil from both Year 11 and Year 13 were given the opportunity to attend a virtual workshop on Applying for Apprenticeship this week. The  workshop was aimed at students both curious about Apprenticeships or who are intending to apply imminently. Led by Ms Jan Aggar from Amazing Apprenticeships, the initial talk provided high quality information about Apprenticeship in a practical and engaging way, including a discussion of both the benefits and difficulties within the current economic climate. Pupils were guided through on-line resources and useful websites. Ms Aggar then made time to give bespoke one-to-one advice for every participating pupil with regards opportunities within their personal career aspirations and has pledged to continue this one to one guidance for the pupils who attended this extremely valuable workshop.

Mrs Doran

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Oxbridge Video Conference Support

All Year 12 students interested in applying for Oxford or Cambridge University next year were given a wonderful opportunity  to receive some expert support via the wonders of video conferencing last week. After watching a bespoke video on how to use the lock down as an opportunity to enhance their applications, students were asked to submit questions to Ms Jacqui Dearden, Oxford University's School Liaison Officer. Through a video conferencing App, Ms Dearden subsequently answered all of the questions presented and gave extremely valuable advice to all the students who participated in the interactive talk. We would like to thanks Jacqui sincerely, particularly as since the live talk, she has continued to support interested students directly  via email on a one-to-one basis. Her valuable input will undoubtedly encourage some of our most able students to fulfil their life long academic dreams.

Mrs Doran

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Antimicrobial Resistance and Biological Sensing Talk

Liverpool University’s Department of Science and Engineering delivered a superb talk for Year 9 this week when Dr Ian Sandall led a fascinating video conference lecture.

Dr Sandall first introduced pupils to the innovations currently being developed in Liverpool by Engineers and Scientists – from image recognition and tracking, robotics to drone technology to deliver medical supplies. Dr Sandall then explained his own current research in antimicrobial resistance which can be used for surface and air decontamination. He explained how this technology used antimicrobial resistance to make controlled plasma bolts to decontaminate surfaces and decontaminate wounds to promote healing. Throughout the Coronavirus crisis, Liverpool University has been working directly with Liverpool hospitals to see if this technology can be used to decontaminated PPE one use items to allow then to be safely reused during the world wide shortage. He is also developing a new handheld optoelectronic camera which would allow for diagnostic testing of blood sampling to create a handheld and portable piece of equipment which would revolutionise blood testing in the UK.

Our sincere thanks to Dr Sandall for this fascinating insight into the world of Science and Engineering.

Mrs Doran

 

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Biopharmaceutical Masterclass

Year 11 and Y12 students interested in Science were given an incredible opportunity this week when they participated in a video conference call with Dr Matthew Downham, Associate Director of AstraZeneca, a company specialising in the worldwide development and distribution of flu vaccines globally.

Matthew works directly with the WHO and Chris Whitty, whom many of you will now be very familiar. After a fascinating talk about research and development in bio pharmaceuticals, Matthew also explained the current development to develop treatments and vaccines for the current coronavirus pandemic. The students were able to ask direct questions for this worldwide expert to answer, about his career, WHO, how vaccines work, and much complex topics like passive and active immune responses, which was extremely beneficial for their understanding of this highly relevant topic. Our thanks to Dr Downham for giving up his valuable time so generously. It was fascinating!

Mrs Doran

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