Gifted schoolchildren build a rocket
Twenty gifted pupils from schools in Cumbria and Sheffield are to become students on a residential course taught by academics.
The youngsters aged between 12 and 15 are all members of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth which caters for the top 5 per cent of the ability range.
The three day residential visit is aimed at providing challenging activities organised by the Department of Continuing Education and various academic departments.
A highlight of the visit will be sessions run by the Physics Department during which the children will build a model particle accelerator, and build and launch rockets.The pupils are from the Stainburn School and Science College in Workington, Dowdales School in Dalton in Furness, Millom School, and Abbeydale Grange School in Sheffield.
Development Officer Mary Candler, who organised the event, said: “The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth organises lots of events and activities throughout the year, however not enough of them take place in the north of England.
“Lancaster University is pleased to host this event and I am sure that the children will find it stimulating and fun. We aim to enhance their understanding of some areas of learning outside the normal school curriculum and give them the chance to work in small classes with some of Lancaster's leading academics.”
The packed programme also includes History, Art, Music, Creative Writing and beginners Latin, as well as personal skills development, social activities and a final night Christmas dinner and party.
For further information about NAGTY activities at Lancaster University, including the 2007 summer school, please see the website at www.nagty.ac.uk