Building strong relationships with University of Nottingham

Physics students have been enjoying lab life (Whole School - 31/01/2017)

A-Level students at NUAST have been given the opportunity to see real working labs at the University of Nottingham and start to gain experience in a university setting whilst also gaining valuable insight into life after NUAST.

Once a term, physics students will be visiting the university to work in the labs, take part in workshops, and attend fantastic talks from experts in their field. These trips are intended to tie in with the curriculum, complimenting and enhancing students learning.

On 18th January year 12’s took a trip to learn more about Quantum Physics and Planck’s Constant and were able to access real university labs to link what they are learning in the classroom with hands on experience. Students have also been attending public lectures and have thoroughly enjoyed the experiences so far.

Physics teacher, Guy Beardsall, has supervised the trips with the university and said: “One of the unique selling points of NUAST is the close links we have with the University of Nottingham, especially in Physics. We have a personal link with Senior Experimental Officer and Outreach Officer, Chris Staddon, who has devised a fantastic program for our students.

“The University specifically puts on the lab sessions for us to ensure they link with the curriculum. Not only are the students visiting lectures, but they are able to be hands on, with the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. This has really helped to boost confidence of students that may previously have been afraid of using equipment.”

The first trip was a huge success, with the university saying that NUAST students were better than some of their first year university students when they first started!

As one of the best universities in the country for science, this relationship with the university will be highly beneficial for all students involved, helping them to aim higher and be more aspirational with their future plans.