Oxfordshire schools mark National Chemistry Week
9 November 2007
To mark National Chemistry Week, schools in Oxfordshire were invited to nominate one outstanding Year 13 student for the Sixth Form Chemist of 2007 Award, hosted by The Society of Chemical Industry (Thames and Kennett Group) and the Oxfordshire Independent and State Schools Partnership (OISSP).
Prize-winners were presented with certificates and book tokens at the University of Oxford Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Building, South Parks Road, on Thursday 8 November. Parents and teachers were invited to join with students on the evening, which included a guided tour of the new Central Research Laboratories, an intriguing display of ‘Chemical Magic’ by Dr Hugh Cartwright, and the presentation of awards by Hugo Brunner, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire. Twenty-four Oxfordshire schools took part, with 16 pupils from the state sector and 8 independent school pupils receiving awards for their excellence in Chemistry.
The Sixth Form Chemist of 2007 Award is a joint project in increasing scientific awareness and achievement in the community. OISSP is a local collaboration of Independent and Maintained schools in Oxfordshire, working together in raising achievement by sharing information, resources, and partnership activities and events. Their new ‘Securing Our Future’ project is a Government-funded initiative for 12–18 year olds aiming to inspire and motivate young people through science workshops and master-classes led by experts from Oxfordshire’s pre-eminent research establishments and industry.
The Society of Chemical Industry was founded in 1881 to further the application of Chemistry and related sciences for the public benefit, and today provides a network of information and communication between sectors as diverse as food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. The Thames and Kennett group was formed in 1992 and introduced the Sixth Form Chemist Award scheme. ‘Our aim, explains Chairman John Roddom, ‘is simply to acknowledge and reward achievement by students of chemistry and to encourage others by example. The opportunity now to extend eligible schools throughout Oxfordshire, in collaboration with OISSP is one we are delighted to take.’
Tom Kempton, Project Director of the OISSP, said, ‘the event is a chance to celebrate the talent of exceptional students within our county’s schools. The University and SCI’s involvement will raise aspirations and encourage students to apply their Chemistry skills in higher education and in industry.’
For more information and for pictures please contact the Press Office on (01865) 280528, or at press.office@admin.ox.ac.uk.
ENDS