Pupils from St Paul’s with Ernie (Bearded Dragon) & Emma from Pet Connections

The Year 8 Science Club recently enjoyed a visit from Pet Connections, Ashtree Enterprise Park, Rathfriland Road, Newry. Emma from Pet Connections brought along a selection of animals including:

Cornflake the Corn Snake:

Ernie the Bearded Dragon: 

Mr Buttons the Rabbit: 

The pupils had the opportunity to hold some of the animals, and they also learned how to feed and look after the needs of each individual animal. All the science club members and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the visit. A big thank you to Emma and Pet Connections!

Below is a Video of the Science Club with Emma from Pet Connections:

Below are a few photos from the afternoon with Emma from Pet Connections: 

Pictured above are pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School, Meigh and Bessbrook Primary School with Sue McGrath the Science Magician

Recently at St Paul’s students from the Learning Support Centre, Rathore School, Bessbrook Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School, Meigh, experienced a Science Magic show.

Sue Mc Grath, from the Institute of Physics and “Science2 Life”, gave the pupils a very enlightening and enjoyable experience. She made science relevant and attainable for all pupils, using materials that are easily found in our own kitchens. She captivated the children’s attention and involved them as volunteers every step of the way. All had a very enjoyable experience.

This activity was part of the PEACE (Partnership, Education and Community Enrichment) initiative set up by the Shared Education Programme. This programme aims to encourage schools to make cross-sectoral collaborations an integral part of school life, creating enhanced educational and personal development opportunities for everyone involved.

Highlights from the Science Magic Show:

Selection of Photos below:

Recent past pupil Emer McDonnell, who is currently studying for a Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, was presented with a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Entrance Scholarship Award.   The award was presented to her by Professor Ellen Douglas-Cowie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University at a ceremony held recently at Queen’s.

Emer’s parents and family were present at the ceremony, as well as Principal of St Paul’s, Mr Oliver Mooney, who congratulated Emer on her award, and praised her hard work and endeavour.

Well Done Emer!

Head of Science at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, Mrs Bridget McConville, congratulates A Level Science students, Aron Hollywood and Rachel Boyle who are recipients of Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries.

Two Year 14 students at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook have been awarded prestigious Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries.

Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries offer up to 1000 bursaries a year, for students to work alongside practising scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

Projects take place during the summer holidays, giving students an insight into the world of scientific research and development.

Students in the first year of a post-16 science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) course are eligible to apply for a bursary of £80 per week to support them during their project. Placements are available across the UK, in universities, industry or research institutions. We welcome applications from students doing vocational courses as well as academic ones.

Aron Hollywood and Rachel Boyle, both A Level Science students at St Paul’s, undertook a placement with Norbrook Pharmaceuticals fin July 2012.   Each participated in a four week project which they presented at Queen’s University, Belfast last month. They received a bursary for the four week project and also a Crest Award on their presentation.

Both students were very fortunate to get an insight into how a science industry works in the local area, and were able to enhance their own personal, communication and organisational skills and this will make a positive impact on their applications to third level institutions this term.

Year 8 Science safety competition winners with Head of Science, Mrs Bridget McConville

The Safety in Science poster competition is part of Year 8 Induction to Science programme. Each pupil was asked to design a poster reflecting the chosen topic “Safety in Science”, and class winners were selected and entered a whole year group competition. The winners receive a certificate and a small prize as well as all class entries are displayed in the science foyer. Below is the winners that were selected:

Most Original

1st Prize: Conor Magennis 08/34

2nd Prize: Rachel Hillen 08/34

3rd Prize: Ailis McDonnell 08/38

Most Scientific

1st Prize: Matthew Burns 08/45

2nd Prize: Dearbhail McCullough 08/03

3rd Prize: Anna Blakely 08/18

Most Artistic

1st Prize: Morgan Egan 08/45

2nd Prize: Ciara O’Keefe 08/34

3rd Prize: Ellen Marron 08/35

Year 8 pupils completed against twenty two other schools from all over Northern Ireland at the Salters’ Chemistry Festival at Queen’s University Belfast.

Pupils Emma Travers, Natasha Mc Clory, Niamh O’Hagan and Aisling Murphy had to carry out two experiments.  The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience

Pictured are all of 8.53, Mrs I Smith (Form Teacher), Mrs O McArdle (Year Head), Mrs Geraldine Egan (Health Promotion Officer) & Mrs B McConville (Head of Science)

8.53 have just successfully completed the Life Saving ‘Heart Start’ Programme in their science class led by Mrs B McConville. Mrs Geraldine Egan assessed each pupil and everyone received a Certificate at Level 1, 2 or 3.

The Certificates were presented by Mrs Egan during Year 8 Assembly last week.

Students from 09/100,09/6, 09/96 and 09/64 were taken to the RDS in Dublin on Friday 14^th of January, to The BT Young Scientist exhibition.

It was very exciting and there was so much to see. Pupils and teachers attended a 3D film on The Universe, where rockets and satellites appeared to be launched over their heads and were treated to a live “Robot Wars” show. Many of the stands had interactive activities, all of which our pupils took advantage and everyone came home with lots of cool free samples.

It was an excellent experience for everyone.

Year 13 STEM students at St Paul’s High School are invited to apply for a Nuffield Science Foundation Bursary.  
Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries offer up to 1000 bursaries a year, for students to work alongside practising scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

If you’re a student in the first year of an advanced or higher-level science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) course, you could join a project for four to six weeks in an area of STEM that interests you.

You’ll receive a bursary of £80 a week to help you make the most of your experience. It will give you an insight into the world of STEM research and development, and be highly valued by future employees and admissions tutors at centres of higher education.

Working as part of a team, you’ll take the initiative on projects that make a difference, write a project report and receive a certificate of achievement.

Demand for bursaries will be high and we advise you to apply early.

What you will get from your Science Bursary experience:

• - First hand experience of science, technology, engineering and maths in a working environment.
• - An opportunity to use the knowledge gained in school physics, chemistry, engineering, technology etc. in a real context.Insight into current research and development.
• - The chance to make a contribution to the work of your host organisation.
• - A greater awareness of possible career opportunities.
• - The chance to meet professional and graduate engineers, scientists, mathematicians and technologists.
• - Something to talk about at university interviews.
• - Experience of teamwork, interviews, presentations, and writing reports.
• - The chance to develop personally as well as professionally.
• - The chance to apply for a British Science Association Crest Award at Gold/Silver level, through which you might have the opportunity to attend Regional / National / International Science Fairs.
• - An opportunity to meet students from a variety of schools/colleges and backgrounds.
• - The chance to become an ambassador for the scheme and share your experiences with other interested parties.
  

  Last year four Year 13 students from St Paul’s were successful and received bursaries, and worked with our partner Norbrook Pharmaceuticals.

If you’re interested in applying, you can speak to Mrs McConville at St Paul’s, or find out more information by visiting the Nuffield site.