Andover College masterclasses give secondary school students a taste of college life
The experts at Andover College have given secondary school students from Andover and Salisbury a taste of college life and learning following a number of Maths and Science masterclasses. The Year 11 students, all keen to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects at A Level, enjoyed bespoke lessons at Andover to see what the College has to offer in terms of course content, lecturers and facilities.
Rob Price, Curriculum Leader of Science & Maths who devised the masterclass programme said: “The Science and Maths department here at Andover have a reputation for gaining consistently high results. Last years were our best ever with record numbers achieving high grades, including 100% A-B in Further Maths and 100% pass rate across all Science and Maths courses. We wanted to share the enthusiasm and the passion our lecturers have for their subjects and these Science and Maths masterclasses provide an insight in to the workings of an A Level programme, as well as getting to know the experts who will be teaching these students come September”.
Practical experiments across Chemistry, Biology and Physics including testing the antiseptic properties of rosemary and garlic, determining copper content of a 1p coin and demonstrating the soundwaves of Queen’s Bohemian Rapsody through fire using a Ruben’s Tube.
St Joseph’s student Luke Jackson, who has plans to go into sports education or physiotherapy, thoroughly enjoyed the Biology masterclass. Commenting on his day at Andover he said: “I thought the facilities were nice – I was actually surprised by the quality of facilities on offer! There was a friendly atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop”.
From closer to home in Andover, Winton Academy student Charlie Scowen who attended the Maths masterclass said: “I like the smaller class sizes at Andover College, and it comes highly recommended by peers.”
As masterclass attendees, the students gained an insight into Andover which other open events would not have provided. They explored and discovered the College in greater depth and the masterclasses demonstrated the team work and community approach for which the College is renowned.
Rob Price concludes: “Getting to know students ahead of their start date all contributes to our commitment to a more personalised learning experience at Andover College where you are valued as an individual, not just a number!”
It’s not too late to apply to study in September 2017. For further information on the full range of courses offered at Andover College including Maths and Science A Levels, click here!