Gold CREST science awards for Islington students
13 students from Islington secondary schools received hard-earned Gold CREST
awards on Wednesday 12 October as part of a scheme accredited by the British
Association for the Advancement of Science.
CREST - Creativity in Engineering, Science and Technology, has given over 750
Year 10 & 11 Islington students the opportunity to take part in scientific
research the London Metropolitan University laboratories. Supported by student
mentors at the university, the 15 and 16 year olds have worked on a variety of
scientific tasks during the past year. These included experiments with
micro-organisms and genetic engineering. The Gold level students completed a
3-week placement during the summer holidays at the Life Science Laboratories,
where they completed individual research on micro-organisms and wrote up their
findings.
Mary Linington, Excellence in Cities
Manager, CEA@Islington said: ‘With a national shortage of engineers and
scientists in the UK, it is encouraging to see so many students developing
their skills and knowledge in these areas. I think this experience will
encourage these students to study Science in the future.’
As he presented the students with their awards, Councillor James Kempton,
Executive Member for Children, said he was “in awe of their scientific
ability”. He went on to say that this had been “a fantastic opportunity for
students aged 15-16; not only has there been opportunity but it has been
seized and the students have done really great things.” He finally encouraged
the students to celebrate what they had achieved individually and also as role
models for other students in the borough.
Gold CREST winner, Negin Damali-Amiri from
Mount Carmel School said the CREST scheme had been “a wonderful
opportunity to gain an insight into microbiology and immunology.” She
continued, “ we have developed our knowledge of science way beyond personal
curiosity, and to such an extent that it has permeated our schoolwork, thus
leading us to achieve higher grades in related subjects. This in itself is
highly beneficial, but moreover, the personal enjoyment we experienced is
priceless.”
For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department: