A Level Students Win Gold Crest Awards

DURING this year's summer holidays, Katie Byrne, Jessica Lam and Shannon Cain, students from Hugh Baird College's South Sefton Campus completed a 4 week Nuffield Research placement and have each received a Gold Crest Award for their hard work. The Nuffield Research placements give 6th Form students hands on experience of a professional research environment through a 4 to 6 week placement in their summer holidays. The programme is run by the Nuffield Foundation and works through Regional networks to link talented students with organisations undertaking research, working with over 200 different organisations including Universities, commercial companies, voluntary organisations and research institutes.

Sharon Burke - Research Placement Co-ordinator for the Region said:- "Each year it is a privilege to see sixth form students grow in confidence and skills, this year 65 students from Schools across Cheshire and Merseyside took part in the scheme. They were placed in Universities, Hospitals and businesses throughout the Region to take part in real research. The experience helps young people to open their minds to a wealth of possibilities for their future. Placements vary greatly, but each student learns skills which will equip them for a future in either University or as part of a business. Every year I am amazed at the quality of work that these young people produce in just 4 weeks over their summer holidays. I am so proud of the work that Katie, Jessica and Shannon have done."

Katie Byrne, A-level Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics student said:- "I loved working at the Walton Centre undertaking research into how the NHS uses MRI scanning to diagnose brain tumours. My placement involved me researching, planning and conducting my own research projects. My preliminary research has been submitted to the European Conference of Radiology and could potentially save the NHS ₤90,000."

Shannon Cain, A-level Chemistry, Mathematics and BTEC National Extended Certificate in Information Technology student said:- "Working for Unilever was a great experience, I learnt so much and got hands on experience using robotics alongside other analytical machinery. The placement has helped me discover my chosen career path and taught me advanced lab skills to help take me to University."

Jessica Lam, A-level Biology, Chemistry and Psychology student said:- "I also worked at the Walton Centre too, within the Trajectories of Outcomes of Neurological Conditions (TONIC) team who specialise in the neurological, motor neurone disease (MND) and multiple sclerosis (MS). I looked into the quality of life of these patients, spending 2 weeks on placement shadowing consultants, the following 2 weeks I spent reviewing the outcomes of the consultations. I loved seeing how medicine is made and the effects it has on patients."

For more information For more information on A Level courses at Hugh Baird College visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK/ALevels.

A Level Fine Art Students take a trip to Tate

ON Wednesday, 17 October 2018, A Level Fine Art students from the College's South Sefton Campus further enhanced their studies as they took a trip to explore art collections at the Walker, Open Eye and Tate Art Gallery.  Having soaked up the array of skills and techniques on display at the different exhibitions, the students sketched inside and outside the galleries to build on their skills and portfolio. Katy Evans, A Level Art and Design student said:- "I enjoyed seeing all of the different styles of artwork and researching into our favourite pieces. We spent a lot of time looking around and analysing the artwork to get a more in depth idea of how Walker, Open Eye and Tate created their work."

Hugh Baird College's ALevel Fine Art course gives students the opportunity to discover their strengths and develop visual skills using a variety of materials and techniques. Lauren McInerney, ALevel Fine Art Tutor at Hugh Baird College said:- "The trip to the local art galleries is typical of the added value experiences we provide our A Level students. We are very fortunate to have such incredible collections, galleries, events and creative communities on our doorstep, within Liverpool. Visiting local and national Galleries not only enriches the students' understanding of Artists, artworks and techniques but also inspires their own works."

To find out more about Hugh Baird College's A level Fine Art and the courses on offer, visit:- Hughbaird.AC.UK/ALevels.

Plaques commemorate women's right to vote

PLAQUES have been unveiled on Wednesday, 21 November 2018, commemorating 100 years since women were granted the right to vote. They are being unveiled at Liverpool Town Hall and Blackburne House to recognise the part played by women on Merseyside in bringing about female suffrage.  Both the Town Hall and Blackburne House plaques include a quote written by pupils from Liverpool Schools' Parliament:- "A vote is not a cross in a box. It is a tool to empower a population and change lives. May the ideals of these women live on." Plus the Town Hall plaque also includes a quote from the late community activist and Councillor Margaret Simey:- "The magic of Liverpool is that it isn't England." Also at Blackburne House, Liverpool born suffragette Kate Sheppard is quoted:- "All that separates, whether of race, class, creed or sex, is inhuman and must be overcome." The event was attended by National Museums Liverpool Historian, Janet Dugdale, Claire Dove from Blackburne House and Cllrs Anna Key and Anna Rothery, who put forward the proposal. Lord Mayor, Councillor Christine Banks, said:- "It is incredible to think now that women had to fight to secure permission to exercise a basic democratic right, but fight they had to. It is really important that we never forget their extraordinary heroism and bravery in securing not just the right to vote, but also to enable women to stand for Parliament. The plaques will stand as a permanent reminder of their achievements which benefited women around the world and paved the way for further equal rights and gender equality."