Budding scientists and engineers put their minds to an exciting STEM summer school at the Falkirk Campus (from Monday 3- Friday 7 July).
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) was to the fore as a group of youngsters had fun and were inspired by FVC lecturers and INEOS Mentors, as they spent part of their holidays learning and improving their career prospects at the same time.
INEOS Mentors – all experienced professional scientists and engineers - Operational Engineer Craig Kat, Shift Manager Bradley Gardner, Project Services Manager Jennifer Yeardly, Development Chemist Neil Davidson, PCN Engineer Rena Kotzaoglan and Graduate Engineer Ruaridh MacDonald were delighted to pop down to the campus and join in with the lessons through the week.
Aimed at pupils in the Forth Valley area aged between 11-14, the school will open up a whole new world to young people who want to reinforce the path they want to take when they leave school, and also to those who are looking to turn that spark of interest in a subject into a full blown career.
Curiosity will be the key for young people as they discover what’s in Irn Bru (liquid chromatography), and find out more about instrumental techniques, atomic absorption, blood sampling and augmented reality through a fantastic mix of hands-on practical workshops and project work.
Fiona Jackson, FVC Curriculum Manager in the Department of Applied Science, Maths and Mechanical Engineering, said: “It has been a great week for the young people who were here to find out more about STEM subjects. They had a lot of great topics and experiments to explore and from the feedback we have had they all seemed to enjoy themselves.
“We were also delighted to be working alongside INEOS on the summer school and their support both financially and through the mentors is very much appreciated. We are sure the young people who came along for the summer school will benefit from the expertise and industry knowledge of the INEOS mentors.”
Lindsay Brown, FVC Lecturer in the Department of Applied Science, Maths and Mechanical Engineering, said: “I did the Summer School last year and enjoyed it and we have had another good bunch of youngsters in this year who are really into it, especially on the microbiology techniques. The INEOS Mentors have done really well too and have been a great help and they are really enjoying it too.”
INEOS Graduate Engineer, Ruaridh MacDonald, said: “I have enjoyed it. It reminds me of being back at school!”
Ian Little, INEOS Site Business Development Manager, said: “As a large petrochemical organisation, science, engineering and technology are fundamental to our business. It is fitting as a local employer that we are specifically encouraging STEM subjects in local schools via this programme.”
Summer schools help youngsters to find a fun and inspiring way to spend part of their holidays and improve their career prospects. Other Summer Schools on offer (Stirling Campus) this year include: Junior Chef (24-28 July) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to be arranged for 7-11 August.
Anyone looking to book a place should visit https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ways-to-study/summer-schools/ or to find out more information on the Summer Schools call 01324 403000.
