Student - Truro and Penwith College

TRURO & PENWITH COLLEGE
Excellence in Education
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
Welcome
Since Truro College opened in 1993, it has maintained a
reputation as one of the best tertiary colleges in the sector. Truro
and Penwith College was established in April 2008, following the
merger of Truro College and Penwith College. It is one of the
newest, and fastest growing colleges in the country, boasting
state of the art facilities and new purpose-built buildings. The new
White Building offers a centre for Art and Design, whereas the
Seaton Building is a new facility for Automotive, Construction and
Engineering.
Truro and Penwith College has celebrated over twenty
outstanding years and been named as the Best Further
Education and Tertiary College in the UK by a recent Sunday
Times survey. David Walrond, Principal at Truro and Penwith
College said: “accolades like this one from The Sunday Times do
make us collectively very proud indeed.”
We focus strongly on excellence in teaching and learning, as well
as personal support, to provide all learners with the best possible
experience.
STEM at Truro and Penwith College
STEM encompasses all of the Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics subject areas. Our STEM provision at Truro
and Penwith College is based upon a foundation of strong subject
development. It also extends towards improving the skills and
outcomes of learners so that they can make informed choices
about their future careers and study.
The following pages show just some of the events and activities
that students at Truro and Penwith College have been involved in
across Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, from
careers events to work experience, awards to trips, international
conferences to academies. Read what our students have to say
about their experiences at Truro and Penwith College and be
introduced to some of our lecturing staff within the STEM subjects.
We look forward to welcoming you to Truro and Penwith College.
02
Contents
Students win three finalist places at National Science and
Engineering Competition
04
Record number of Medics’ Academy students gain university
places
06
Truro and Penwith College and Pool Academy selected to
lead Maths Hub for Cornwall and West Devon
08
Mathematics and Engineering Masterclasses and Maths
Challenges hosted at Truro and Penwith College
09
Computing Academy Near Space Adventure
10
Student becomes Computer Games Development UK
WorldSkills Finalist
11
Access to Higher Education Science students present
research projects
12
Student is UK flag bearer at international science event 14
Silver, Bronze and Copper Awards won in National Chemistry
Olympiads
15
Lecturer attends teacher pilot of Chemistry Summer School
at Cambridge University
15
Roller coaster experience at Disneyland
16
STEM careers Speed-Networking event at Truro College 18
Geology students visit Naples, Iceland, Geneva
and many more!
20
Electricity article wins competition to be published in
science journal
22
Students visit Large Hadron Collider at CERN
23
STEM Science Technology
Engineering Mathematics
03
Students win three
finalist places at National
Science and Engineering
Competition
Three projects were entered by students who had completed
Nuffield Research Placements during the previous summer and
who had successfully presented their work to receive prestigious
Gold CREST Awards as a result. Two of these projects were
chosen for the National Final. Zara Shore presented her project
on ‘Muon Detectors for Volcano Mapping’ carried out at Bristol
University and won, not only a place in the final, but was also
awarded the CREST Award for ‘Enthusiasm and Understanding in
a Real World Context’. Katie Carpenter also gained a place in the
final for her ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs’ project which was carried
out at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health,
part of the University of Exeter Medical School.
Truro and Penwith College students participated in the Big Bang
Fair South West, held at Exeter University, presenting their
scientific projects in the regional heats of the National Science
and Engineering Competition. Various awards were presented
including the chance to be selected to represent the South West
region in the final of the competition at the National Big Bang Fair
held at Birmingham NEC in March. Of the fifteen regional finalist
projects chosen three were from Truro and Penwith College which
is an outstanding accomplishment for our inaugural year.
The final entry from Truro and Penwith College to gain a place
in the National Final was from a team of 2nd year A Level and IB
Physics students (Michael Negus, Zara Shore, Joshua Tully and
William Crarer). Their project: “Introducing TREVOR...” was the
College’s entry to the CERN “Beamline-for-Schools” competition.
The team (mentored by academic staff from Oxford University)
chose to design a muon radiography experiment, a technique
that would allow them to form a precise image of an object that
is hidden in a surrounding material. The motivation for this being
medical imaging, such as the diagnosis of tumours. In the spirit
of particle physicists at CERN they named their project the T9
Radiography Experiment Visualising Object Reality, otherwise
known as “TREVOR”.
Students produced displays outlining their projects and presented
their findings to expert judges throughout the course of the
morning. They were asked demanding questions to explore just
how well they understood the underlying concepts behind their
research. Projects were judged on the motivation, approach,
outcome and the skills development of the students.
04
Student Profile
Will Barker
A Levels in Physics,
Mathematics, Further
Mathematics, Chemistry
and AS Biology. Previously
from Truro School.
William Barker won a Gold Award and gained first place nationally
in the British Physics Olympiad Experimental Project competition
by undertaking a voluntary experiment and investigation into the
physics of a rigid-body pendulum. He produced a written scientific
report of the investigation and, in particular, addressed the
underlying physics in high detail. Students are allowed to complete
the experimental project in groups, but following a suggestion
by Will, he completed the investigation, and therefore won the
competition, single-handedly in the first year that a Truro and
Penwith College student entered.
The students learnt about the real-life applications of muon
radiography experiments, from identifying contraband goods to
medical diagnosis and treatment.
Matt Bennett, DTL for Science, Oxbridge Mentor and Lecturer of
Physics who oversaw the TREVOR project, said: “This result is
another example of the many fantastic achievements our students
at Truro and Penwith College have accomplished. Their success
in the competition is testament to their effort, enthusiasm and
considerable understanding of a very challenging subject.”
The British Physics Olympiad is a highly-recognised national
organisation that comprises a written exam paper and
experimental competitions. Every year, the total number of
students entering the Physics Olympiad competitions nationally
totals more than five thousand. The competition entries were
judged by Dr Cyril Isenberg of the University of Kent and Secretary
of the British Physics Olympiad.
Joshua Tully, Nuffield Research Placement student and
“Introducing TREVOR...” team member, said: “The project was a
real team effort and presenting at the Big Bang Fair has been a
fascinating experience. The event had a real buzz and it was great
to share our project with others. The icing on the cake was winning
through to the finals and we are optimistic in our preparations for
the National Finals in the spring.”
During the investigation, and throughout the analysis and writing
of the report, Will was mentored by DTL for Science, Oxbridge
Mentor and Lecturer of Physics, Matt Bennett, who said: “It’s a
very prestigious competition, and winning it outright is a significant
achievement.”
Will attended a prize-giving ceremony where he was presented
with his award by Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, one of the most
prominent female physicists who is famous for discovering pulsars
in space. Will achieved 4A* in his A Levels, and has gone on to
study Natural Sciences at Cambridge University.
05
Record number of
Medics’ Academy
students gain university
places
Madeleine Barnett, who is studying at Manchester University said:
“When I started at Truro College I wasn’t 100% sure on Medicine.
The Medics’ Academy helped me realise that Medicine was for me
and showed me exactly what I needed to do to get there.”
James Brebner, who has gained a place at Lady Margaret Hall,
University of Oxford, said: “The Medics’ Academy was one of the
main reasons that attracted me to Truro and Penwith College. The
interview preparation was invaluable. Thanks to all the staff who
have supported me and everything they have done.”
A record number of aspiring doctors at Truro and Penwith College
have gained places to study Medicine at a range of universities.
Twenty-two students, who are also dedicated members of the
Medics’ Academy, have had their hard work rewarded by gaining
places to study Medicine at university, ranging from Bristol to
Liverpool. This is a significant achievement considering that
competition for places at the best universities can be as high as 18
applicants per place.
Alice Hunter, who is studying at Liverpool University, added: “The
support at Truro and Penwith College from the Medics’ Academy
has been endless and invaluable to navigate the incredibly
complex and demanding process of applying to medical school.”
The Medics’ Academy is a two year enrichment programme for
any student aspiring to a career in medicine. During their first
year, students complete weekly workshops, lectures and activity
sessions that cover everything from how to gain work experience
to learning how to perform a suture. Sessions are led by doctors
and other healthcare professionals from the Royal Cornwall
Hospital, medical students from the Peninsula Medical School,
admissions tutors and college staff. The second year includes
students receiving intense support for writing applications,
entrance exams and with mock interviews.
Dr Jon Grey, Programme Team Leader for Science and Medics’
Academy Co-ordinator, said: “The number of places gained by the
students is phenomenal. They are a fantastic group of intelligent
and hardworking young people who are really deserving. It has
also been a record year for Oxbridge entrants for Medicine too,
with two students gaining places to study at Oxford and two
students gaining places at Cambridge from both the Truro and
Penwith campuses.”
06
Student Profile
James Brebner
A Level Mathematics, Further
Mathematics, Biology and
Chemistry and also takes part
in the Medics’ Academy.
Previously from Wadebridge
School.
James was selected via a very competitive process, to attend the
Oncology Medical UNIQ Summer School at Oxford University.
UNIQ is a programme of free summer schools at Oxford University
and is open to students studying in their first year of further
education at a UK state school or college. The courses aim to
give participants a realistic view of Oxford student life. Students
live in an Oxford college for one week and attend lectures and
workshops in their chosen subject and find out more about
applying to Oxford.
Staff Profile
Dr Jon Grey
Programme Team Leader
for the Science Department.
Of the experience James said: “We were able to carry out a range
of experiments such as PCR; looking at cancer in greater depth.
Staying at Brasenose College showed me what college life is like
and meals with Oxford alumni and current students served as
great motivation for me to prepare for the admissions exams.”
James explains: “I knew I wanted to apply for Medicine, and Truro
and Penwith College, combined with its Medics’ Academy put me
in the best position to make a successful application. What I have
really appreciated is the dedication of the lecturers and the time
they will take to help explain anything I am unsure of.”
Jon lectures Biology at both A Level and on the Foundation
Degrees in Biomedical Studies and Bioscience. He is also the
Medics’ Academy Co-ordinator.
Jon graduated with a BSc in Medical Science from the University
of Birmingham and stayed there to carry out research to obtain a
PhD in Neuropharmacology before training as a teacher.
James has since obtained a place to study Medicine at University
of Oxford after achieving 4A* grades in his A Levels.
Jon believes that the major challenges facing humankind, both
now and in the future, will only be solved through the application
of STEM. He is keen for these subjects to be delivered in a way
that is exciting, challenging and thought-provoking. To create
successful STEM workers of the future, he believes that teaching
has to be of an excellent standard, delivered by real experts who
have a passion for their subject. Any student coming to Truro and
Penwith College with an interest in STEM will have the opportunity
to flourish in one of the best colleges in the country which has a
proven track record for effectively preparing students for the very
highest level of STEM study and careers.
07
Truro and Penwith
College and Pool
Academy selected to
lead Maths Hub for
Cornwall and West
Devon
"The College has one of the highest numbers of students taking
A Level Mathematics nationally. Collectively, our A Level students
achieve grades which are higher than would be expected. That
kind of achievement comes from a self-critical approach, and a
determination to learn from, and share, the very best practice.
This is why the Maths Hub initiative struck such a strong chord
with us and with Pool Academy, and why we are delighted to have
been one of the very few selected. I anticipate the Hub's focus on
Mathematics will not only push the College to even higher levels
of achievement in Mathematics, but also, through the teaching
school and other partnership working, significantly improve
Mathematics teaching across the entire region.”
Principal of Pool Academy, Zelma Hill said: "Our Vice Principal,
Claire Meakin, was selected to visit Shanghai with government
ministers to represent outstanding schools. The lessons learnt
from the initiative will be applied to Pool's curriculum and shared
with schools across the south-west over the coming years."
Truro and Penwith College has been selected as one of only
thirty two schools and colleges in England to take the lead role
in a new network of school-based centres, or hubs, designed
to enhance Mathematics education for young people of all
ages across the country. The Maths Hubs programme, coordinated by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching
of Mathematics (NCETM), allows schools and colleges to tailor
improvement initiatives in their locality, concentrating exclusively
on mathematics.
Student Profile
In an extremely competitive process, Truro and Penwith
College has been chosen as the lead school in the Maths
Hub which, through partnership with Pool Academy, will cover
Cornwall and West Devon. The new initiative is to encourage
and support collaboration between a core group of schools,
colleges, universities and individuals with proven expertise and
experience in helping primary and secondary teachers improve the
effectiveness of Mathematics lessons. A wider range of enrichment
activities for students will be developed and shared by the hub
members. New materials will be produced for use in the classroom
and to aid the professional development of staff.
Lucy Tyreman
A Level Mathematics, Further
Mathematics, Chemistry and
Physics. Previously from
Humphry Davy School.
Lucy would like to have a career in Mathematics but is unsure of
whether that may be in research, in the financial sector or possibly
as an actuary. Lucy took part in a summer school at Cambridge
University and entered the UKMT Team Maths Challenge.
Among the activities undertaken will be an exchange of teachers
in the local hub with those from schools in Shanghai, China.
This region has been selected for the exchange programme
due to China’s dominance in the international league tables for
Mathematics standards in school-aged children.
“With good facilities, a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to
gain a wider knowledge through the Academic Academy, Truro and
Penwith College has been a fantastic place to study, the lecturers
are dedicated and always try to push and challenge you.”
David Walrond, Principal of Truro and Penwith College, is really
looking forward to sharing his institution’s expertise, and also
learning from the Shanghai Teacher Exchange Programme.
Lucy has obtained a place to study Mathematics at Warwick
University after achieving A* in Chemistry, Mathematics and
Further Mathematics and an A in Physics.
08
Mathematics
and Engineering
Masterclasses and
Maths Challenges
hosted at Truro and
Penwith College
Staff Profile
Jan Dangerfield
Lecturer in Mathematics,
Oxbridge Mentor and
Academic Academy Mentor.
Royal Institution Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science
Masterclasses are hands-on and interactive extracurricular
sessions led by top experts from academia and industry for
keen and talented young people all around the UK. The unique
sessions go beyond the school curriculum and bring Mathematics,
Engineering and Computer Science to life in surprising topics
such as art, medicine and cryptography. The masterclasses aim
to highlight to young people the excitement, beauty and value of
Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science to inspire the
next generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
Jan lectures A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics as
well as supporting students with their studies towards the STEP
and AEA additional exams. Jan started teaching at Penwith
College when it first opened in 1980, then moved to Truro College
in 1999. This, therefore, makes Jan the longest serving member
of both Truro and Penwith College! Jan graduated with a BA and
an MA in Mathematics from Cambridge University before entering
the teaching profession. Her MA, which involved Statistics, has
enabled Jan to become a fellow of the Royal Statistical Society
and to obtain Chartered Statistical Consultant status.
Each year, Truro and Penwith College hosts and sponsors the
Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses for Year 9 students
from across the country. Between 70 and 90 students attend
Saturday morning masterclasses through the spring term,
culminating in an awards ceremony and a visit to the South
West Masterclass held at Plymouth University in June. The
masterclasses in Cornwall have run for over twenty years with the
sessions ranging from decoding real messages sent from prisoner
of war camps to using Mathematics to construct magic tricks and
illusions.
In addition, Jan carries out significant work with exam boards, is
a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors and
has been working as an A Level examiner since 1984. She is
also chief examiner for Cambridge Pre-U Mathematics; a post-16
qualification that helps prepare students for study at university.
Jan has been a tutor for the Open University and has also joined
UKMT online which is a mentoring service for bright schoolaged students. She is currently running Maths Masterclasses in
Cornwall that stretch and challenge secondary school students.
The UKMT Senior Individual Maths Challenge saw a record
number of 132 entries for Truro College. Truro College achieved
certificates for 74.2% of entrants; of these 7% were gold, 27%
silver and 41% bronze. As a result of this, five of our students
were invited to take part in the follow-on competition, the Senior
Kangaroo, for which only the top 5% of entrants from across the
country are invited to take part.
Jan feels that a degree in Mathematics is an excellent springboard
into so many different careers from working in a corporate bank
to code breaking as part of the intelligence services or working
in medical statistics to carrying out research both in industry and
university. Jan has inspired decades of talented mathematicians,
who have graduated in STEM subjects at some of the most highly
regarded universities and gone on to have very successful careers
ranging from being the CEO of a large and successful company
to working for British intelligence and security for the Government
Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
Truro and Penwith College regularly enters a team into the UKMT
Senior Team Maths Challenge and has hosted the Cornwall heat
for the last three years, which attracts teams from as far afield
as Devon. The best result was coming second overall and when
hosting next year, Truro College hopes to beat the competition
and win!
09
Computing Academy
Near Space Adventure
On receiving the news of the recovery, Lucy French, who was
Project Manager of the Near Space Mission said: “We are so
pleased to get the payload back. A lot of hard work went into this
and it has been an amazing learning experience. The pictures
and video taken are incredible and a real reward for all the efforts
made by the team.” Scott Gregory, the Team Leader for Flight
Preparation, added: “This was such an amazing way to expand
my programming skills. We were writing code to take pictures and
to log data for a real project that would do something amazing and
see something only astronauts get to see.”
The Truro and Penwith College Computing Academy is aimed at
helping prepare students for the challenges faced when working
within the fast-changing subject area of computing. The academy
is run in partnership with local businesses to enhance students’
technical skills and employability within the computing industry.
Its first major project is the use of Raspberry Pi technology in
recording data from near space.
Allyn Jefferies, Computing Academy Co-ordinator, said: “This is
an amazing conclusion to what has been a massive undertaking
by the students. The students who first started the project are now
at university and the work they had undertaken and documented
is being continued by current diploma students. The Near Space
Mission is project-managed and developed by the students and
has been from the start.”
Over fifty students studying on the Level 3 Extended Diploma
in Software Development spent 18 months working on a project
which aimed to launch two Raspberry Pi computers to altitudes
over 65,000 feet into near space via a weather balloon. This
was in order to record data using various sensors and to take
photographs and video footage documenting the curvature of the
Earth. The two computers were launched alongside temperature
sensors, a GPS module, cameras, HD video camera, a radio
transmitter and battery pack. Students were involved in writing
the software code required to ensure that all of the components
worked together and that they could track and recover their device.
Students have already started working on the next mission where
they will aim for clearer data transmissions and even more altitude.
Staff Profile
A launch site was selected in mid-Wales and the first mission
resulted in reaching altitudes in excess of 80,000 feet during
the two hour flight with temperatures of -40°C. The device was
successfully tracked by the radio receiver for the first 90 minutes
before contact was lost. Six days later the device finally responded
by sending out its co-ordinates by text message from the enclosed
backup phone. This had been switched on by the owners of a
caravan park who recovered it from a very tall tree within their
grounds.
Allyn Jeffries
Deputy Team Leader for the
Maths, Computing and ICT
Department.
Allyn lectures on the A Level, Level 3 Extended Diploma and
Foundation Degree programmes in Computing, ICT and Software
Development. He is also the Computing Academy Co-ordinator.
Allyn graduated with a BSc in Computing in 2000 and after
completing a PGCE in 2001 he joined the Truro and Penwith
College teaching team. Allyn has always focused on trying to
inspire students to follow a career within the computing industry.
Since introducing the Computing Academy, he has supported a
team of students in their near space adventures.
10
Student becomes
Computer Games
Development UK
WorldSkills Finalist
Truro and Penwith College student Peter Andrews won gold
at the UK WorldSkills Championships for Computer Games
Development last year. This year sees the continued success as
Samantha Wills reaches the finals of the same competition.
Samantha, a Level 3 Extended Diploma Games Development
student, commented: “I was really surprised to get through to the
finals in Birmingham later in the year. It was a tough competition
but I was confident that I was focused and had good ideas and the
skills to see it through. I am in the final, competing for a place, for
me, for the college and for girls everywhere in a male-dominated
profession.”
Student Profile
David Atkinson-Beaumont, Head of Computer Games
Development, said: “We are so pleased that Sam has made it to
the final. She has already fought off competitors from thirty other
schools and colleges to gain her place in the final where she will
compete against the best in the UK. We are confident that Sam
will do her best, remain calm under pressure and hopefully come
home with another medal.”
Jake Lawson
A Level Computing, Physics,
Mathematics and AS Level
Accounting. Previously from
Helston Community College.
Last year’s winner, Peter, is continuing his studies at Truro and
Penwith College by undertaking a Foundation Degree in Computer
Games Design and Production. His experience at the show has
given him much confidence in his abilities and he will support and
coach Samantha in preparation for the final.
Jake would like to become a software engineer at Apple HQ
and has carried out work experience at Absolute Software which
looked at integrated development.
“I knew that I wanted to go somewhere different to study A Levels,
and Truro and Penwith College was an obvious choice as it had
such good reviews. Furthermore, the lecturers are incredibly
nice and are always happy to help, even outside of lecture times.
Visiting the open day sealed the deal and I have enjoyed my time
here. The lecturers make it fun to learn about any topic and are
extremely down to earth and understanding.”
Jake has since obtained a place to study towards a MSc in
Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Exeter
after achieving A grades in A Level Computing and Physics and a
B grade in A Level Mathematics.
11
Access to Higher
Education Science
students present
research projects
Truro and Penwith College is proud to have been chosen by the
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Gatsby Foundation
as one of five Further Education colleges in the southwest to
pilot an accredited Access to HE Diploma in Science. Truro and
Penwith College is working with the Gatsby Foundation and the
RSC to develop links with local businesses within the scientific
field to enhance the students’ practical skills; thus increasing their
employability.
Student Profile
Research is an integral part of the science industry and students
are encouraged to develop the necessary skills by each
completing an independent research project. Access students
presented their projects to a panel made up by members of the
Gatsby Foundation, the RSC, Apt Awards and local businesses.
Shane Honer
Access to HE Diploma in
Science. Previously from
Windsor School.
Jean Scrase from the Gatsby Foundation said: “Gatsby have been
delighted to support this pilot project. Not only has this experience
prepared the students for science courses in Higher Education,
but has also brought the added benefit of helping them gain
professional Registered Science Technician status (RSciTech)
through the Royal Society of Chemistry, a recognised and well
regarded professional qualification they can rightly be proud of.
To be part of the judging panel for the projects the students have
carried out on behalf of local employers is a great experience.”
Shane had previously been working as a silversmith at Cornish
Silver. Always being interested in the sciences, and having
developed a particular curiosity for genetics, he decided to enrol
on the Access to HE Diploma in Science course.
Our Access students progress on to a variety of degrees including
Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Paramedic Science and Mining
Engineering. Presenting student Emma Bentley said: “It is a very
fulfilling feeling to have a dream and make it reality, by enrolling on
the Access to HE Diploma in Science and surrounding myself with
the support of wonderful tutors, I am now able to look forward to
the future I had always hoped for.”
“The Access to HE Diploma in Science has been engaging,
informative, and fun. I've met so many great lecturers and
new friends and the course itself is so far beyond my initial
expectations. I have been presented with a huge range of
opportunities for academic and personal development and have
had tremendous support from Truro and Penwith College staff to
achieve the best.”
Shane carried out his individual research project on fruit fly
inheritance, and after taking a gap year, is planning to continue his
studies at a Danish university.
12
Student Profile
Victoria Emberson
Foundation Degree
FdSc Biomedical Studies.
Previously from Hayle
Community School.
Staff Profile
Victoria completed A Levels in Human Biology, Drama and Dance
and AS Level Chemistry in 2010. Since then she has worked as a
laboratory technician in a chemistry assay lab. She has graduated
from the Biomedical Studies Foundation Degree at Truro and
Penwith College, winning the Academic Partnerships Prize for
showing huge commitment to her studies, as well as working as
an HE Ambassador and Course Representative providing support
to fellow students. The Foundation Degree has allowed her to
enter the final year of a BSc in Human Biosciences at Plymouth
University, after which she aspires to enter a teaching career and
intends to return to Truro and Penwith College to complete the
School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) course.
Dr Sue Skuse
Lecturer in Chemistry at
A Level and for the Access to
Higher Education Science
Diploma.
Sue has been teaching at Truro and Penwith College since it first
opened. She has also been involved in the writing of the Access
Chemistry course syllabus and is a member of the validation
committee for the science modules.
“Lecturers are always available for support and various
opportunities are available including becoming a student
ambassador and the college craft shop is a great place to sell and
buy crafts made by students.”
She graduated with a BSc in Chemistry from Kings College
London and went on to complete both a Masters (Surface
Chemistry and Colloids) and PhD (Rheology) at the University of
Bristol. From there she became a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada,
working in the field of Chemical Engineering. She subsequently
worked as a Research Associate for the Department of Mining and
Mineral Process Engineering linked to AOSTRA, which involved
modelling the emulsions present in Alberta’s famous oil sands.
Her scientific research has resulted in over twenty publications
in numerous journals from the Journal of Chemical Physics to
Faraday Transactions.
As part of her Foundation Degree, Victoria carried out an individual
project comparing the antibacterial properties of two commonly
used culinary plants against two antibiotics. She is keen to
carry on this research project during her final year at Plymouth
University.
Upon her return to the UK, Sue gained a lecturer position at
Truro and Penwith College. In between raising seven of her own
children, she has supported many aspiring Chemistry students
and two of her past students are now Chemistry lecturers at the
College!
13
Student is UK flag
bearer at international
science event
This summer, A Level student Cora Griffin gained a fully-funded
place at the London International Youth Science Forum: a two
week residential course at Imperial College in London. The
conference gives over four hundred young scientists aged 17-21
years, from around 65 different countries, the opportunity to attend
scientific lectures and demonstrations from leading scientists,
visits to industrial sites, research centres, scientific institutions and
organisations, including world class laboratories and universities.
Leading up to the conference, Cora had taken part in the ‘Britain
Needs Scientists’ conference at Exeter University, the Royal
Society of Chemistry Schools’ Analyst Competition at Plymouth
University and gained a Silver Award in the Royal Society of
Chemistry C3L6 competition.
Of her experiences, Cora says: “Before I set off I was pretty
nervous, but just a couple of days into the programme I had made
so many friends and was completely won over by the experience.
The opening ceremony introduced us all in a very grand way to
the prestigious course. As a flag bearer for the UK, I was invited
to speak with guest lecturers and scientists after the ceremony.
Two lectures later we all went to the Chelsea old town hall for the
welcome party, where I learnt that scientists can actually have
a good time and are very enthusiastic dancers! We had visits
to scientific laboratories, where I saw cutting-edge technology
working on stem-cell research.
Of her experiences at Truro and Penwith College, Cora said: “It’s
an exciting, big college with lots of students: a kind of intermediate
step between secondary school and university. It also has a great
reputation for grades, especially in science, and a lot of help is
offered both for achieving good grades and also for applying to
each specific university course. I like the way you can choose to
be independent but there is always help for you if you need it, for
example drop-in sessions for science where you can get guidance
specifically in what you struggle with.
“The trip to Cambridge was great, as after spending a few hours
learning about some of the medical departments we all got to go
punting as well! What makes LIYSF unique is the emphasis on the
social aspect. I didn’t just learn about science, I learnt a lot about
other cultures too. I met so many people from around the world
and they made it such an amazing experience. I’m really grateful
to Truro and Penwith College for nominating me and the Royal
Society of Chemistry for granting me the place: it really was a lifechanging and invaluable two weeks.”
“The number of teachers is also good: different teachers have
different ways of teaching, so you always have the choice to talk
to someone else who can explain a concept in a different way.
There are also loads of academies so you can carry on getting
involved in subjects you no longer take, like music or sport, as well
as academies like the Medics’ Academy which are really valuable
when you’re applying for a difficult university course!”
14
Silver, Bronze and
Copper Awards won
in National Chemistry
Olympiads
Lecturer attends teacher
pilot of Chemistry
Summer School at
Cambridge University
A Level and IB Chemistry students have the opportunity to stretch
and challenge themselves each year with National competitions
set by the Royal Society of Chemistry and Cambridge University.
The Sutton Trust Summer Schools are free, subject-specific
residential courses for Year 12 students from UK state-maintained
schools.
At the end of their first year of study at Truro and Penwith College,
students have the opportunity to enter the Lower Sixth Cambridge
Chemistry Challenge Competition which concludes a year of
monthly lateral-thinking chemistry puzzles. It provides an excellent
experience for students considering taking their studies further
and provides additional intellectual challenge which both supports
and extends their course studies taking them significantly beyond
the syllabus and encouraging them to think about science in the
way they would at university. Truro and Penwith College students
were awarded three Silver and nine Copper certificates this year.
Next year it is hoped that a Gold, or even the top, prestigious
Roentgenium Awards may be won by one of our students.
The summer schools allow bright students from non-privileged
homes a taste of life at a leading university and to gain an insight
into what it is like to live and study as a first-year undergraduate
student. The summer schools balance busy academic days with
enjoyable social activities, as well as providing attendees with
the opportunity to meet current staff and students. The aim is to
demystify elite universities and to equip students, most of whom
will be the first in their families to go on to Higher Education, with
the knowledge and insight to make high-quality applications to top
universities.
Dr Kate Roberts, Chemistry Lecturer, Oxbridge Mentor and STEM
Co-ordinator at Truro and Penwith College, said: “There are places
available for teachers to attend the Sutton Trust Summer Schools
and I took part in the pilot scheme for teachers by attending the
Summer School at Cambridge University for Chemistry. During the
week there were fantastic opportunities for students to meet other
like-minded people for a real taste of living in a hall of residence
and socialising during the constant activities organised by current
undergraduate students.
Second year students have the opportunity to work towards
the UK Chemistry Olympiad as part of the STEM Academy.
The most successful students earn a place on the UK team for
the International Chemistry Olympiad final. The UK Chemistry
Olympiad involves a written test of chemical knowledge which
stimulates debate and enthusiasm for chemistry by raising
awareness of its current advances. This year, a student achieved
a Bronze certificate for their excellent performance in this
challenging competition.
“During the day, students separate into their subject areas and
the chemists had the chance to participate in lectures by worldrenowned experts and follow an exciting series of experiments
in the excellent teaching laboratories at the university. As a
teacher, I was able to meet various admissions tutors, current
undergraduates and summer school participants which has
enabled me to support our current Oxbridge and science
applicants.”
15
Roller coaster
experience at
Disneyland
Students at Truro and Penwith College have the fantastic
opportunity to make links between their college studies in
Engineering, Physics and Mathematics and how real-life roller
coasters are designed and made. Every other year, students visit
Disneyland Paris to learn more about how the roller coasters, rides
and attractions were created.
Aspects of the trip include looking into how the works of Galileo
and Newton are applied to modern day roller coasters and
exploring the applications of algebra, trigonometry, geometry,
CAD/CAM systems and control technology to the attractions of the
park. They explore the properties of materials and components
by analysis of stress, mechanisms, maintenance and safety. A
highlight of the visit is a workshop in which the students get into
teams and compete in a timed challenge to design and develop
their own unique attraction.
Student Profile
Nick Spencer
A Level Electronics, Physics,
Mathematics and AS Level
Chemistry. Previously from
Penair School.
Jon Richards, an Engineering lecturer who organises the trip
explains: “This visit provides an exciting experience for the
students to make concrete links from the range of concepts learnt
in the classroom and small-scale projects which they work on in
the workshops, through to the immense size of some of the largest
roller coasters in the world. This gives the students an insight into
how these engineering marvels are first designed, and then made
reality by the Disneyland team.”
Nick would like to gain future employment as an electronic
engineer within the space industry. “I chose to come to Truro
and Penwith College because there is a wide range of courses
to choose from and a great reputation for its course and sports
teams. It has given me the opportunity to make some friends for
life. I chose to study A Level Electronics, a course which is not
widely available elsewhere. It has inspired me to take the subject
further and apply for a degree within electronics with the aim to
have a career within the space industry as an electrical or
systems engineer.”
Nick has since obtained a place to study Electronic Engineering
with Space Technology at Surrey University after achieving ABC in
his A Levels.
16
Staff Profile
Jon Richards
Subject Leader and Lecturer
for the Extended Diploma
in Engineering.
Student Profile
Jon graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in
Industrial Design and Technology and has taught in a number
of schools and colleges in both Berkshire and Cornwall before
working at Truro and Penwith College.
Lauren Flynn
A Level Mathematics, Further
Mathematics, Physics, AS Level
Chemistry and Computer
Studies and also participates in
the Music Academy. Previously
from Penryn College.
Jon firmly believes that the problem-solving skills involved in
engineering can be used to support any career. The ability to
identify a problem, develop an idea and implement the solution by
applying mathematics and science is an invaluable skill. He is a
firm believer in ‘seeing is believing’ and tries to implement practical
experiments within an engineering environment. This philosophy
also means that he provides inspiration by maintaining links with
local engineering industries such as Teagle, UTC, and WatsonMarlow. Jon also takes his students on engineering-based trips
abroad including New York, where students studied architecture
and modular designs; Barcelona, where Gaudi’s method of
stress analysis and modern 3-D printing at the Sagrada Família
church were investigated and also to Disneyland Paris, to explore
rollercoaster design.
During her time at Truro and Penwith College, Lauren has taken
part in the Cambridge University Students Union Shadowing
Scheme. This scheme brings students from across the UK
together for three days where they each shadow a current
undergraduate student who is studying a subject they wish
to apply for. Shadowing students get involved in lectures,
supervisions (tutorials), sports and much more. This provides
the students with a fantastic opportunity to experience life at
Cambridge University and aids those with little experience of what
going to university would be like; encouraging and supporting
them to apply to university.
Jon particularly enjoys the engineering project unit during the
second year of the Engineering Diploma programme, where
students identify their own problem and drive towards producing a
solution during the year. This is a fantastic learning journey where
they bring together all their learning to date to produce products
as diverse as a plasterboard recycling device, combined rucksack
and downhill ski-bike, wind turbines, kayak roof-racks, hydroturbines and a revolutionary trials bike.
“I chose Truro and Penwith College due to its exceptional
reputation for support and results. I wanted the experience of a
bigger college with more focus on independent learning. What I
like best about the college is the feeling that you are beginning
to specialise in your subject areas, and the great teaching and
support systems available.”
Lauren plans to enter a career in scientific research, most likely
within the field of quantum mechanics.
17
STEM Careers SpeedNetworking Event at
Truro College
"We were delighted to take part in this Careers Speed-Networking
Event. It's vitally important that students about to embark on their
careers, or making education choices which will influence their
future direction, do as much research and speak to as many
people as possible." said Mike Hobbs of NatWest.
Matthew Dodkins, team lead at Bluefruit said “STEM days are
a brilliant way of closing the divide between education and
employment, which we consider to be absolutely critical to our
company's future success."
As part of the summer Individual Learning Plan (ILP) Day,
hundreds of students had the opportunity to find out about
STEM careers by meeting a range of local employers during a
STEM Speed-Networking Event organised by Cornwall Learning
Education Business Partnership.
"It has been a great opportunity to raise awareness of the many
different careers available within the NHS, from finance and
operational management, as well as clinical roles," said Tracy Ellis
AAA Screening Manager.
A Level and Extended Diploma students have important decisions
to make about their future careers as they come to the end of their
first year at the College, as many will apply to university during the
following autumn term. This event has given them the opportunity
to speak to a range of local businesses to find out about some
of the many career options that are open to them. Careers
represented included renewable energy, finance, engineering,
product design, ecology, software development, biomedical
science and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.
This event was such a success that it is planned to become part
of ILP Day every year, with the hope of expanding the range and
number of employers attending, so that even more students can
benefit from the workshops on offer next year.
“This has been a highly valuable experience for our students
studying STEM subjects at an important stage in their academic
studies,” said Dr Kate Roberts, STEM Co-ordinator at Truro and
Penwith College. “This year the event has had an even greater
impact for the students, having been offered to a much larger
number than ever before and becoming an integral part of ILP
Day.”
“The Careers Speed-Networking Event has been a huge success
for the students taking part,” said Kate Whetter, Education Projects
Manager at Cornwall Learning Education Business Partnership.
“It has been a great opportunity to foster young people’s interests
in the workplace and to inform them of the range of STEM-related
careers available to them.”
Contributing to the success of the day were Bluefruit, Transport
Bombardier, TRAC Services, University of Exeter, Concept Shed,
Lydon Marketing Ltd, Total Energy Solutions, Pendennis Shipyard,
NatWest Bank, RCHT Haematology, RCHT Triple AAA Scanning,
Superfast Cornwall and STEM Ambassadors.
18
Student Profile
Chris Quick
A Level Physics, Chemistry,
Mathematics and Biology.
Previously from Richard Lander
School
After finishing college, Chris undertook a Year in Industry (YINI)
placement working as a junior engineer at Schneider Electric
in Plymouth. He is now studying towards a MEng in Chemical
Engineering at Bath University after achieving A* grades in A
Level Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and an A grade in A
Level Biology. The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) support
schemes which include the Year in Industry (YINI) programme,
which involves students being placed in a range of companies
where they can develop the skills and knowledge which employers
are looking for and to gain relevant experience to enable them to
make the most of university.
Student Profile
William Barnard
Level 3 Extended Diploma in
Applied Science (Forensics),
A Level Chemistry and AS
Mathematics. Previously from
Fowey River Academy.
Chris’ YINI placement was primarily based with the electronics
team and provided him with responsibilities and tasks associated
with electronic engineering. Using the skills developed on the
placement, he has been able to work more effectively as part of a
team at university and had the confidence to put himself forward to
be the project manager of his design project group.
Will is an active member of the College and volunteers as a
Student Ambassador and is part of the Student Council. He plans
to study Biochemistry at university and go into a career in the
medical or healthcare professions.
He comments: “Towards the end of the placement, I entered a
competition called “The Plymouth Manufacturer’s Group Best
Manufacturing Project Award”, which I was fortunate enough to
win. This consisted of presenting the work that I had done for
Schneider Electric to a group of executives from local companies
and YINI representatives. I believe that this was a unique
experience and has significantly increased my confidence for
public speaking.
Will said: “I chose Truro and Penwith College because of
the supportive lecturers and excellent resources for learning
effectively.
“I like the practical elements of my Applied Science course, where
I can use the knowledge learnt in the classroom to investigate
realistic scenarios and reinforce my learning by reading further
outside of class.”
“As I wanted to study science A levels, Truro and Penwith College
was the obvious choice for me due to the great laboratory facilities
and fantastic reputation for helping students to achieve the best
grades possible. I think the best thing about the College is the
approachability of the lecturers. All of my lecturers seemed to
have a genuine passion for the subject that they taught, and
infused confidence in me that I could achieve the top grades that
I needed.”
19
Geology students visit
Naples, Iceland, Geneva
and many more!
Student Profile
Anna Covey
Luckily within Cornwall, there are world-class geological sites to
visit that are so important and unique that students from across
the UK and from the rest of world are drawn to our wonderful
cliffs and coastline. Fully supported day trips included in our A
Level Geology delivery include Bude where structural geology,
sedimentary environments, rocks and features are examined;
Rinsey Cove where we investigate igneous and metamorphic
rocks and contact zones; exploring from the Lizard Point to
Coverack where we examine ophiolites and geological history and
to Wheal Jane where we study the acid mine drainage treatment
works.
A Level Geology, Geography,
English Language and
Literature, AS Chemistry and
also the Expedition and Music
Academies. Previously from
Penair School.
Anna is fascinated by hydrogeology and hopes to study this further
at university. After graduating, she plans to use her skills as an
exploration hydrogeologist to travel the world finding water, and
managing water use in areas with water shortages.
We also hold an annual three day residential trip to the Jurassic
Coast to study sedimentary rocks, their associated fossils and oil
geology. In addition, there are opportunities for international visits
to the Alps and Geneva (including CERN in a joint trip between the
Geology and Physics departments), the Bay of Naples (including
Vesuvius) or to Iceland in order to study plate tectonics, igneous
rocks and volcanism (which is in collaboration with the Geography
department).
She has been involved with the Cornwall Geoconservation Group
and the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall and living in the
centre of Cornwall has allowed her to visit many Sites of Special
Scientific Interest and other Regionally Important Geological Sites.
In addition to her A Levels, Anna has been an active member of
the Truro and Penwith College Expedition Academy.
“I chose to come to Truro and Penwith College because it has
such a great reputation. I’ve really enjoyed my time here: I’ve been
offered some fantastic opportunities and learnt loads, the lecturers
have been really encouraging, approachable and helpful. I’d
recommend studying Geology to anyone! The wide range of skills I
have developed whilst studying here has given me the confidence
that I have the right mix of interests, abilities and personal qualities
to successfully tackle the demands of a Geology degree, and I’m
really looking forward to the prospect of developing my long-held
academic and extra-curricular interests at a higher level.”
Anna has obtained a place to study towards a BSc in Geology
at Southampton University after achieving A grades in A Level
English Language and Geography and a B grade in A Level
Geology.
20
Staff Profile
Lesley Allen
Student Profile
Subject Leader and Lecturer
in A Level Geology.
Tom Collinson
A Level Environmental Studies,
Chemistry, Biology, AS Level
Photography and Physics,
also participated in the
Academic Academy. Previously
from Mullion School.
Lesley’s aim, as a lecturer, is to inspire students to aim high and
broaden their horizons. She believes that geology is the ideal
tool for doing this because it is so easy to embed the curriculum
into case studies of natural wonders. Who isn’t fascinated by
earthquakes, volcanoes, dinosaurs and planetary science?
Tom is planning on taking a gap year before beginning his studies
towards a BSc in Zoology at the University of Bristol. He plans to
continue in academia beyond his degree and carry out research in
the fields of ecology and genomics. He developed his interests in
zoology during work experience with a scientific research group at
Exeter University where he studied mites.
Science changes from day-to-day, across all disciplines, and it is
important for science educators to keep up-to-date with changes
because this new world of information is where their students
will be living and working in the future. With this in mind, Lesley
recently took part in a scientific expedition on an oceanic research
ship, the JOIDES Resolution, in the Philippines Sea.
“The outstanding reputation and facilities first attracted me to study
at Truro and Penwith College, I have found that the atmosphere of
the college campus has provided a good working environment that
has supported my studies.
She was appointed as an Educator at Sea on IODP (The
International Ocean Discovery Programme) Expedition 350 and
joined a group of geoscientists as they were drilling down into
the flanks of an undersea volcano off the south coast of Japan.
During her time on board, she wrote blogs and hosted live video
broadcasts from the ship into the geology laboratory at the
College, where her students could see research in action and ask
questions. Dr Vince Williams, Geology lecturer, said: “the students
were terrifically inspired by the sessions and they stimulated lots of
in-class discussion afterwards.”
“The lecturers have been very supportive and helpful during my
application to university and their support and recommendation
has led to me gaining a position at Falmouth Aquarium for a two
month internship which I am really excited about.”
For Lesley, it was the opportunity of a lifetime and, by using
the photographs and resources that she brought back from the
expedition in her teaching, she hopes that her experiences will
inspire students for years to come.
21
Electricity article wins
competition to be
published in science
journal
A Level student Madeleine Hardstaff has achieved the great
honour of having an article published in The Science in Society
Review by The Triple Helix Society at Cambridge University.
Articles in this illustrious publication are usually authored by
undergraduate students at Cambridge University and by students
at other Triple Helix chapters around the world, such as Harvard or
the University of California, San Diego.
Madeleine entered a writing competition, set by the Triple Helix
Society, with her opinion piece entitled: “Discovery of Electricity:
The Essence of Modern Life?” This was inspired by the question
“Which scientific discovery of all time has been the most important
for the wellbeing of your community/school/family?”
Madeleine embraced the challenge using both her knowledge
and enthusiasm for science and history. Her article reached the
following conclusions: “An unquantifiable, but extremely significant
application of electricity in raising human wellbeing in the modern
era is communications. The ability to use technology to connect
with people far away has caused a breakthrough in globalisation
and the spread of necessary news items in minimal time. It already
has an unimaginable range of functions, and thousands more
future applications are likely to be found. Electricity is thus deeply
embedded in our past, present and future, and will continue to
contribute to wellbeing in every aspect of life.”
Madeleine first heard about the competition through the Academic
Academy at Truro and Penwith College; a programme designed to
stretch and challenge students.
Commenting on Madeleine’s impressive achievement, Quality
Assurance Leader and Academic Academy Co-ordinator Andy
Stittle said: “The College successfully promotes excellence in
STEM subjects through designated support, but also through
the Academic Academy, within which we encourage students to
participate in Oxbridge competitions such as this in order to be
intellectually ambitious and also to give students a competitive
edge in university applications. Madeleine’s success in this
competition is a good example of someone using their learning
both boldly and creatively to take on a challenge and succeed.
She can rightly be very proud of seeing her work published in such
a prestigious publication.”
22
Students visit Large
Hadron Collider at
CERN
Students from Truro and Penwith College explored Geneva and
the surrounding area on a Physics trip, which was in conjunction
with the Geology department.
Student Profile
As part of the visit, students had the chance to see the world’s
largest machine; the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The
LHC has carried out a series of pioneering experiments which
have led to the discovery of the Higg’s boson. Students were able
to visit the ALICE detector, a part of the LHC that is experimenting
by colliding lead ions to produce a quark-gluon plasma. Students
had a guided tour by some of the CERN scientists of the ALICE
control room and took the high security lift down one hundred
metres into the detector chamber where the current experiment
was powered down for routine maintenance and upgrades.
Zara Shore
IB Diploma: Physics, English,
Mathematics, German,
Chemistry, Anthropology and
A Level Mathematics.
Previously from Penrice
Academy.
Students then visited various other areas of the LHC, including the
LHCb (Large Hadron Collider beauty) experiment, investigating
the difference between matter and antimatter and CAST (CERN
Axion Solar Telescope) an experiment that is investigating if
particles called axions are produced by the sun.
Zara spent ten weeks as a Research Assistant at Bristol University
as part of her Nuffield Research Placement. Her project, building
sub-atomic particle detectors to map volcanos, has received a
Gold CREST award and gained her a place at the final of the
National Science and Engineering Competition. This project also
gained her the CREST Award for ‘Enthusiasm and Understanding
in a real world context’. In addition, she entered a group project
“Introducing TREVOR…” for the CERN T9 Beamline for Schools
Competition in association with Oxford University which also made
the final of the National Science and Engineering Competition.
Following an incredible lunch in what must be the world’s most
diverse and academically brilliant café, the group reassembled in
the visitors centre for a talk on the history of CERN before being
immersed in the ‘Universe of Particles’ exhibition in the Globe of
Science and Innovation. After a truly exhilarating day, students had
experienced what is at the very edge of our present day human
understanding of the fundamentals of the universe and had a
glimpse of how much there is still to understand.
“The alternative schools and college didn’t offer the IB and Truro
and Penwith College has a better reputation. The freedom of the
college being a campus and further afield was attractive, as it
works as a nice stepping stone between school and university.
I especially like the atmosphere of the college, everyone enjoys
being here and people help each other out.
“The IB especially, has a close-knit family environment where
everyone looks out for one another. The staff are helpful and there
is a lot more freedom which makes everyone respectful and look
after the College itself.”
Zara plans to enter a career in scientific research, most likely within
the field of particle physics.
23
TRURO & PENWITH COLLEGE
SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING
& MATHEMATICS
GET IN TOUCH:
Truro College, College Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3XX telephone: 01872 267000
Penwith College, St Clare Street, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2SA telephone: 01736 335000
email: stem@truro-penwith.ac.uk
web: www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/stem
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twitter: @collegeSTEM
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