Scientists get fired up at summer school

Gifted and Talented: Rachel Smith, Jack Grindrod, Mohammed Bilal, Jawaad Mahmood, Azeem Ahmed, Zara Rashid, Aimee Sullivan, Aqsa Iqbal (front)

Some of Rochdale’s best young brains celebrated the start of the summer holidays by heading back to the classroom.

Seventy-five Year 10 pupils took part in The Gifted and Talented Summer School, a dynamic week long programme of science teaching, hosted by Rochdale Sixth Form College. Open to the most talented young scientists from all secondary schools across the borough, the course was designed to help pupils maximise their potential, and support and augment their learning in preparation for the final year of their GCSE studies.

Pupils enjoyed sessions in chemistry, biology and physics, including some fun practical experiments involving fire and explosions, plus carry out their first individual dissections.

A day trip to the Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire, one of the UK’s largest coal-fired power stations, was also arranged, allowing them to witness energy production first-hand. In addition, pupils got the unique opportunity to handle exotic animals, and interact with staff from Starchasers Cosmic Chemistry, a rocket manufacturing company based in Stockport.

Tom Fay, Assistant Principal for Learning at Rochdale Sixth Form College, who co-ordinated the Summer School, said: “We wanted to give the pupils a really intense science experience and help further develop their enthusiasm and very obvious talent for these subjects."

Jack Grindrod, a pupil at Wardle High School, concluded: “I have been to three summer schools and this was the definitely the best. I really enjoyed it at Rochdale Sixth Form College and will most probably be going there next year to study for my A levels.” 

The Summer School was organised by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. Erica Field, part of RMBC’s Schools Improvement Team, added: “It has been a brilliant and engaging experience for the pupils, and has opened their eyes to science beyond the curriculum. Furthermore, it has given them the opportunity to experience science as it is taught in a stimulating sixth form environment, with the excellent lab facilities and quality of teaching that Rochdale Sixth Form College has to offer.”