Helping students Aim Higher – University of Reading
24 May 2004
Twenty students from Bulmershe School, Woodley, will be visiting the University of Reading on Wednesday 26 May for a day of discovery in the Cybernetics and Physics Departments, with AimHigher Berkshire, a new programme led by the University of Reading with Central Berkshire Education Business Partnership (CEBEP). The AimHigher programme is a government initiative, aimed at increasing the numbers of young people opting for higher education on leaving school, particularly those without a family background of higher education. The Bulmershe students will be able to examine some of the robots under development in the Cybernetics Department, and in the Physics Department, a jet propulsion engine will be demonstrated to them. During the afternoon, they will apply some scientific skills for themselves, with a session of building balloon-powered vehicles. Other sessions during the day will include an introduction to studying science at university, by Colin Baker, from the Joint Faculty Office for Science and Life Sciences. A number of Reading undergraduates will act as Science Ambassadors for the day, and be on hand to answer any questions about university life. In addition, representatives from leading local employers will speak about the many and varied career prospects open to science graduates. CBEBP Division Manager, Beverley Graves, commented: "Young people are not always aware of the huge variety of career and study paths available to them. We are delighted to be working with the University of Reading and AimHigher to highlight opportunities in higher education that these young people may not have thought of." End Notes for editors: Reporters and/or photographers are welcome to attend the event, at the University of Reading, Earley Gate, between 9.30am-3.15pm. Please see the programme timetable below. For further information, please contact: For CBEBP - Kim Tame 0118 901 5999 or mobile 07966 418682 For University – Mohammed Ansar, widening Participation Coordinator for Science 0118 378 6127 or mobile 07821 186369 PROGRAMME: When not touring, the group will be based in Agriculture Building room 1L06. 9.30 Arrival and welcome 9.45 Introduction to the day and housekeeping rules Kim Tame and Mohammed Ansar 10.00 Who Wants To Be A Science Millionaire? General knowledge based on science questions only 10.30 Break for refreshments 10.45 Talk by Colin Baker, Science Undergraduate Office What types of science subjects you can study at university 10.55 Visit to departments 10.55 Cybernetics Iain Goodhew 11.30 Physics Moira Hilton 12.05 Lunch in student refectory and campus tour 1.20 Talk by local employer 1.30 Science Olympics Build your own balloon-powered car 2.15 Evaluations and feedback 2.30 Time to go home