ASPIRING scientist Lois Barnes, a student at Warrington & Vale Royal College, is still reeling from an incredible summer of science as a worthy participant of Liverpool John Moores University’s ‘Summer University’ programme.
Level 3 Applied Science student and aspiring environmental scientist Lois spent the summer well and truly in her element discovering what being a university student is all about. Every year, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) host an exciting three-day long residential programme that gives first-year college students the chance to have a first-hand experience of student life. The university, which is ranked 8th in the North West, brings students from all over the country to the vibrant city of Liverpool for a unique opportunity to stay in student halls, socialise with peers and delve into a subject area of interest to them.
The former Penketh High School pupil heard about this impressive opportunity from her tutor, Caroline, and was encouraged to take on the competitive application process. Following a rigorous shortlisting phase of interviews before the summer break, Lois received the wonderful news that she had been accepted onto the 2023 programme, beating hundreds of students nationwide for a highly-coveted place which is a testament to the employability skills and specialist knowledge she has developed from her college course.
In July, Lois moved into the popular Benson Yard student accommodation, along with new-found friends, ready for a jam-packed few days of events. Inspired by her trip to Chester Zoo and conservation modules during her college studies, Lois opted to try out the university’s BSc Environmental Science course. Over three days, she was fully immersed in LJMU’s innovative Faculty of Science, taking part in a busy timetable of lectures and practical activities including an insightful urban pollution project and a city-wide scavenger hunt. Lois also took advantage of the city’s lively social scene, enjoying trips to well-known establishments and the university’s Students’ Union with her new classmates.
Returning to college this September for the final year of her science course, Lois is now more determined than ever to follow her passion of pursuing a career in the dynamic industry of science and has firmly decided that LJMU would be the perfect place to continue her studies. She said: “I will be forever grateful to my tutor Caroline for making me aware of this amazing opportunity, and for all of her support throughout my time at college – I definitely wouldn’t be in a position to be considering university if it wasn’t for her. This experience has given me a great insight into the science sector and student life, and cemented that this is definitely the industry I see a future for myself in.”
To explore the range of cutting-edge science technical courses, T Levels and apprenticeships on offer at Warrington & Vale Royal College, visit: https://wvr.ac.uk/subject-areas/engineering-science
