If your practical science sessions at school were impacted by Covid-19 and you’re now facing the daunting prospect of studying science at university or Further Education college with minimal lab experience, then the Summer Science School at Northern Regional College is tailor made for you.
The Science Summer School is a series of free practical science activities at the College’s Coleraine campus. The interactive programme will be delivered over four two-day sessions between Monday 23 August and Friday 03 September.
Christine Brown, Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning at Northern Regional College explained that the summer school initiative is a collaborative project between three of the FE colleges and local universities which has been designed to address the gap in Year 14 A-Level and Level 3 BTEC students’ laboratory-based learning and skills development.
“Covid restrictions meant students studying subjects like science didn’t have the usual opportunities for practical work which is an important part of their learning. The Science School, which will be delivered by our experienced Science lecturers, will give students a chance to make up for lost time and get some valuable ‘hands-on’ experience in the College labs.”
Christine added: “Numbers are limited so students will be in small groups and get ample opportunity to conduct science experiments within an industry standard educational setting. This will help deepen their understanding, boost their knowledge and skills and, very importantly, help them embark with greater confidence on the next stage of their higher education journey.”
The two day programme will run each day from 9.30 am – 3.30 pm and lunch will be provided. Day 1 will cover Induction & Laboratory Safety; Preparation of Standard Solution; Titration; and Colorimetry. Day 2 will cover: Synthesis of Aspirin; and Purity of Aspirin.
With the Summer Science School having been endorsed by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Sarah Robertson, the Society’s Director of Education and Professional Practice, said she was delighted that FE providers like Northern Regional College had collaborated with the HE sector to deliver the programme.
She said: “It is fantastic to see such an event running in Northern Ireland. We know the impact of lost learning during the pandemic, and especially the importance of practical sessions to chemistry students/teachers. Practical chemistry is pivotal to inspiring the next generation, which will in turn ensure we have a chemical sciences workforce to meet the global challenges needed for society to succeed. On behalf of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the chemistry community more generally, we thank all those involved.”
Northern Regional College is one of three FE colleges in Northern Ireland to offer a Science Summer School programme – it is also available at Belfast Met and South West College. The Summer School will be held at Northern Regional College’s Coleraine campus on the following dates:
Session 1: 23 – 24 August; session 2: 25 – 26 August; session 3: 31 August – 01 September; and session 4: 02 – 03 September.
To register, select a date and location that suits you online: https://www.nrc.ac.uk/college-life/science-summer-school
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