|
From hands-on workshops at the Natural History Museum to learning about the origins of computing at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, our students have had an exciting week of discovery. Highlights include a visit from a trainee neurosurgeon, creative projects at FACT Liverpool, and a vaccine masterclass with AstraZeneca. With engaging lessons in sociology, healthcare, and graphic design, our students continue to explore diverse pathways and build valuable skills. As we edge closer to the holidays, we look forward to celebrating the season while reflecting on an inspiring term of learning and achievement.
|
|
Health Care students
Last week, our Year 13 Health Care students completed a practical detailing how the respiratory system works. To understand the pulmonary system, they mapped out the structure of the heart in detailed diagrams. Next week they will be dissecting a heart in the laboratory.
|
|
|
|
Project-Based Learning
Last week, Year 12 Health and Social Science PBL students participated in the first of a course of workshops delivered by the Student Neonatal, Obstetrics and Gynaecology group. The group comprised Students in Medicine and Anatomy at the University of Liverpool who aim to educate and advocate for women’s health. The sessions will cover menstruation, breast cancer, cervical cancer, contraception and neonatal care.
|
|
|
Sociology
Year 10 have been analysing policies that have led to the decline in marriage rates and the rise in divorce rates. Students conceptualised the change in social attitudes surrounding marriage and divorce by setting their own marital expectations. Students used Sue Sharpe’s study to identify that in contemporary society women’s ambitions are career and education-focused rather than motherhood and marriage like in the past.
|
|
|
|
If you would like to find out more about this career pathway then please click here.
|
|
|
Trip to FACT Liverpool
Last week, Year 12 Creative students visited the Cosmotechnics Exhibition at Fact Liverpool. Students then took part in a workshop delivered by FACT where they developed and viewed 3D shrines using AI goggles.
|
|
|
|
Graphics
We would like to highlight one of our Year 12 Graphic students who recently created the Aloysius character design sheets as part of their character design project.
|
|
|
AstraZeneca visit
Life Sciences, MeDeVet and Applied Science students had a vaccine masterclass with AstraZeneca’s Principal Scientist, Oliver Dibben to help them design their own vaccine strategies as part of their ongoing AZ Vaccine Challenge. Students also got to hear from a range of AZ scientists about their roles and the routes they took to get there.
|
|
|
Prohibiting the use of mobile phones during the school day from the 1st of January 2025
Whilst phones have brought many positives to our lives, it is now timely for me to recognise that children's use of digital technology is having a negative impact on students’ concentration, behaviour, safety, and well-being. We recently received guidance from the Department for Education stating that schools should prohibit the use of mobile phones throughout the school day.
|
|
As a school, we are in agreement with the Department for Education and are planning to implement the change. Mobile phones are a vital part of life and learning, but we are seeing that a greater number of students are becoming addicted to their phones. Their use within the school day has created additional problems for both our children and the school.
- Mobile phones provide an unnecessary distraction, disruption, and diversion within the school day. One national survey stated that one in three secondary school pupils report that mobile phones are used in most lessons without permission.
- Safeguarding is always our main priority. By removing phones, we believe that this will have a positive influence on all students, making the community a safer place. In recent times, for some students, there has been a significant decline in their wellbeing and mental health. Nationally, three in ten students cite making and maintaining friendships and their mental health as a cause of worry, anxiety, or depression. By removing mobile phones, students can spend more time staying active and socialising face to face with their peers, activities which have a positive impact on wellbeing.
|
|
|
Mobile Phone Policy for Sixth Form Students
All Sixth Form students should not have their phones out whilst in the general areas of the school, this includes headphones/air pods/buds. KS5 students are permitted to use mobile phones in only the Urban Brew & Sixth Form Crypt. All Sixth Formers should keep their mobile phones in bags during coaching sessions and lessons. Teachers may permit students to use their mobile phones if necessary to support the learning within lessons, KS5 may wear smartwatches.
|
|
|
Neurosurgeon session
Dr. Ahmad Ali, a trainee neurosurgeon at the Walton Centre, recently shared insights into his journey into medicine, detailing the challenges and rewards that led him to specialise in neurosurgery. He debunked common myths surrounding the field, emphasising that neurosurgery is not just about performing high-risk operations, but also about patience and a deep commitment to patient care.
|
|
He also dispelled the myth that neurosurgeons need a steady hand: he emphasised that while hand steadiness is important, it's just one aspect of the skill set required—alongside deep knowledge, critical thinking, visualising 3D structures, and teamwork—to successfully navigate the complexities of neurosurgical procedures.
|
|
|
Computer Science Trip
This week Year 10 and KS5 Computer Science students visited the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester to learn about early computing history; the Jacquard Loom and the Small-Scale Experimental Machine known as the Manchester Baby, which was the first electronic stored-program computer. Students also enjoyed experiencing 50 years’ history of computer and console gaming, such as the Binatone TV Master from the 1970s.
|
|
|
|
Trip to the Natural History Museum
Students from Ignite were invited to London by ACCE (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment) in an initiative that hopes to encourage students to consider a career in environmental science research. The opportunity is organised and funded by the Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield and York. Students were welcomed into the brand-new Darwin Centre teaching hub where they participated in a workshop solving the real-world problem where insects were damaging a strawberry crop.
|
|
|
They then contributed to the work of the CLORE labs by sorting some insect samples collected by the museum using microscopes. Then we went into the wonderful Natural History Museum and did a whistlestop tour of the insect room, earthquake simulator, bird room, the mammals’ room to visit the famous blue whale, and then the iconic dinosaur gallery which included a festive T Rex animatronic wearing a Natural History Museum Christmas jumper and hat!
|
Lewis, a current Ignite student, expressed “My favourite part of the trip was the workshop we took part in towards the beginning, I specifically enjoyed the independence of sorting through real samples of insects using professional equipment and I hope we are able to do more of that type of work in the future as it fits my learning style very well.” Emilia, another Ignite student, highlighted that “The activity with insects was a lot of fun and engaging, especially looking at the insects under the microscope, which I found fascinating.” Huge thanks to Pete Doyle and Ellie from Liverpool University for making all this possible!
|
|
Sickness procedure
From a safeguarding perspective, students who indicate they are feeling unwell will not be sent out of class as an unwell/injured student unaided may faint on the stairs or corridor. Staff will call first aid and first aid will go to the student. Students are not to contact home themselves when they are unwell, staff will call parents if needed.
|
|
Christmas Appeal 2024
Liverpool Life Sciences UTC and The Studio School are raising £500 to support families in our school community with food and gifts. Many of our families are struggling with the cost of living crisis, and we are aiming to buy food hampers and gifts to support families over the Christmas period. Every amount makes a huge difference when it comes to supporting families. £1 donation can buy several small food items to support a family. £5 can buy a small gift. £10 can buy essential food and toiletries. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, I will withdraw funds directly. It's the most efficient way to donate and saves time and costs. Please donate here
|
|
|
|
Own clothes day
On Thursday the 19th of December there will be an own clothes day for students. We kindly ask students to bring £1 or more, the option to donate will also be on parent pay.
|
|
|
Miss Allason's Maths Conundrum https://ukmt.org.uk
The answer to last week’s conundrum was E. This week's conundrum asks
|
|
|
Come back next week to find out this week's answer!
|
|
|
Leave us a Google Review
We strive to provide the best experience for our students. Your feedback helps us improve and continue delivering quality education and care. If you’ve had a good experience with us, we’d love to hear from you.
|
|
Leaving a review on Google helps others learn more about our schools and gives us valuable insight.
Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
The Studio School
|
|
Uniform and equipment reminder
I would like to remind parents of the uniform standards with regard to girl’s trousers. A small number of students are wearing fashion trousers – made of Lycra material and flared leggings in style. The expectation is for students to wear school trousers or a pleated skirt. As the weather is getting colder please ensure your child has a warm, waterproof coat. All students are required to have a school bag with them every day. This must be large enough to carry a number of A4 revision guides. We will provide your child with a suitable bag if they are unable to obtain one.
Jill Davies, Principal at Life Sciences and The Studio School.
|
|
Sellafield Degree Apprenticeships
Sellafield Ltd is home to one of the most respected apprentice programmes in the UK. Their Degree Apprenticeships offer the perfect balance of on-the-job training and experience whilst enabling you to also study for a degree without having to cover the cost of tuition.
Through a degree apprenticeship you could gain;
- Higher-level qualifications than a regular apprenticeship
- Professional accreditation and memberships
- On-the-job experience and skills recognised by employers
- A degree qualification without the tuition fees
- An excellent opportunity to develop your future career path
What you will be doing day to day will depend on your chosen pathway; Sellafield offer a number of different degree apprenticeship pathways including: Project Management, Quality & Inspection Engineer, Technical, Conventional Safety and so many more, for more information click here.
|
|
|
|
NOW Festival 2025 - 10 Year Anniversary
An annual mental health performing arts festival that allows children & young people to think about current issues and express themselves creatively. Location: St Georges Hall Concert Room, Liverpool
|
|
|
|
Edge Hill University Ignite Access Programme
There's still time to secure a place on the Ignite Access Programme, a free initiative designed to prepare students previously eligible for free school meals for university success. Applications will close further into the new year, so don’t miss this opportunity to enable your students to gain essential skills, explore career pathways, and build confidence.
The programme offers:
- Workshops on money management, study skills, and networking.
- Insight into university courses and career options.
- Continuous support for students and their families through newsletters and tailored resources.
The programme consists of two visits to college and one on-campus visit, alongside virtual materials such as newsletters and online parents’ sessions. Register here
|
|
|
|
Make an online referral to Liverpool's Children & Young People's Mental Health Support
Children and young people, parents and carers in crisis can access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, freephone 0808 196 3550. Visit the emergency advice page for more information.
|
|
|
Training for parents/carers & professionals working with children & young people
Merseyside Youth Association’s mental health promotion team (RAISE Team) delivers a range of FREE bite-size courses covering a range of mental health issues that impact children, young people and their families. Bite-size sessions coming up in December, delivered via Zoom...
- Understanding Low Mood and Depression - 16/12/2024 10:00 am - 11:00am Book here
- Sleep - 16/12/2024 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Book here
- Managing Challenging Conversations - 16/12/2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Book here
|
|
|
University of Law: Legal Personal Statement Workshop. Enhancing your application (Virtual Event)
Are you working on your UCAS personal statements or adding the final touches? Join our expert team as we guide you through some top tips for your personal statement for law course applications. In the workshop, we will cover what you should include to show your interest, how best to demonstrate your skills and experience, and easy actions you can do now to add value to your personal statement.
Thursday 9th January 2025 16:00 - 17:00 Book your place here.
|
|
|
Explore 100 incredible technician careers that don’t require a degree
Whether you hold an interest in engineering, horticulture, music, art, or science, there’s a technician career out there for you. Complete the Technician Careers Quiz so you can explore the 100 exciting technician careers that might be right for you. Explore the free resources available here.
|
|
|
Merseyside Police Cyber Team are running an exciting Cyber Challenge
For students 11 to 18 years. Now live and entries close on 21st December. Finals days - 4th and 5th of March 2025 at Aintree Racecourse. More information here and website here.
|
|
|
Morrisons’ are looking for a range of motivated students to join their Manufacturing Degree Apprenticeship scheme!
This scheme can kickstart your student’s management career and propel them into a leading role within Morrisons! You’ll gain invaluable knowledge across manufacturing teams, where you’ll learn what goes into Morrisons’ fast-paced business.
Day-to-day activities involved in this scheme involve:
- Running production lines
- Finding solutions to improve their efficiency
- Leading production teams and
- Providing support to leading sites during peak trading times
The programme is 3 years in length and will involve a high level of on-the-job learning as well as working towards completion of a degree, so it will be challenging, but the career path this will lead onto is worth the challenge! Morrisons offers unrivalled support towards the Bsc (Hons) in charted Management at the University of Bradford, and pay all the fees! What are Morrisons looking for? A minimum of 112 UCAS points and GCSE Grade 4 in Maths and English A full UK driving licence Find the full job description here or apply today.
|
|
|
|
The In2STEM programme – Applicants open for 2025
A free summer programme for 16-19 years old (Year 12 or S5/S6/college), consisting of an inperson work experience placement, live online workshops, competitions and events. Closes Sunday 2 February 2025. Find out more here.
|
|
Word of the Week - FRAGILITY
Definition -The quality of being easily broken or damaged. From Latin: fragilis "brittle, easily broken" Usage "osteoporosis is characterised by bone fragility"
|
|
Vaping – We would like to remind you that we do not allow students to bring items such as cigarettes, lighters, matches or e-cigarettes/ vapes into school.
Zero Tolerance of Abuse - The NST has a zero-tolerance approach to abusive language, violence, aggression or harassment towards employees, governors and volunteers.
|
|
|
