Runshaw College are celebrating a record breaking year for their Medical Science and Electronics Societies, after 128 students achieved British Science Association CREST awards, 100 of whom were awarded the highest gold standard award and 81 offers for Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry.
During a recent awards evening to celebrate this fantastic success, parents, students and staff were able to see for themselves the amazing opportunities and additional preparation students receive, in order to prepare them for application to University to read Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science, alongside other prestigious science courses, including Oxbridge. As well as our CREST and offers achievements, the evening also highlighted other impressive accolades, including a record number of students achieving Nuffield Foundation summer placements, two students receiving offers for the Oxford University UNIQ summer school and placements with the Sutton Trust. Fifteen students also gained places on the Preston Widening Access Programme with Lancashire NHS trust, whom on completion, will receive a guaranteed interview to study Medicine at Manchester University. If successful, students receive a reduced entry requirement to study the subject at Manchester.
The evening began in the student entrance, where students and parents were able to look at the work completed by students in the societies. This included a number of CREST projects and a drone made by members of our Electronics Society. During the presentation in the Amanda Roocroft Theatre, a number of students presented their work and told us of the fascinating research they had completed for these. Emily Crook spoke to the audience about how watching football can impact on your health, Charlotte Hepworth delivered her talk on tooth decay in the local area, particularly in Pendle where tooth decay in children is at the highest levels in the UK. Lewis Croager and Alice Owens spoke of the activities they had completed as a member of Electronics and Science Society. Finally, Davina Vadher delivered a reflection on her time in Medical Society.
Our guest of honour, Dr. Jim Gardner, Deputy Head of Medicine at UCLan Medical School presented students with their CREST awards and also a certificate of achievement for their commitment to the societies. In his closing remarks, Dr. Gardner spoke about the unique opportunities available to students within our science academy which seconded the comments of our Principal, Simon Partington, saying, “The extra-curricular activities offered to science students at Runshaw must surely be the best in the country, both in terms of quality and impact. With thanks, congratulations and very best wishes to you all.”
Thank you to everyone who made the evening possible; Camilla Gregory, Jolene Taylor, Ruth King, Vicky Kilshaw, the estates team, the service desk team, Matt Moss, the programme office and student services.