36 Year 10 students have been working with Ph.D. tutors from some of the country's leading universities as part of The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme.
Tutors from the universities of Lancaster, Durham and Newcastle taught students in various topics including:
- Robots and rehab: how to solve a problem like paralysis
- Creating moral superhumans
- What language do humans speak?
The programme began last year with a trip to Durham University where the students were given a tour of the university, an initial tutorial, and were taught about study skills.
The four weeks following the initial visit involved tutorials in school. These were delivered in a 'university style' which included lots of independent learning, plus a final assignment of 2,000 words targeted at Key Stage 5 (one stage above where they currently study). The students then received feedback sessions and attended a graduation event.
The results of the students work are fantastic. Of the 35 who submitted the final assignment the results are as follows:
First - 12 (a good A level standard)
2:1 - 16 (good AS level standard)
2:2 - 5 (excellent GCSE standard)
3rd - 2 (good GCSE standard)
The Ph.D. tutors commented on the fantastic attitude and effort from the students and explained that some of the work they produced was better than some of the first year undergraduate students they teach!
Fantastic effort everyone; you are a credit to The Academy at Shotton Hall.