NEWS
Melbourn Scientific first gold partner for Meridian School
Most of us know the school experiment where ink spots are put on filter-paper and create rainbow colours when wetted with alcohol … but can you remember what it proved and why it might be useful?
Those dark days are gone. Pupils at Meridian have the opportunity to see how their chromatography experiments are used by the contract analytical chemistry company, Melbourn Scientific, to show that medicines and pills are free from impurities and perform as they should.
The relationship with Melbourn is the first in a new initiative by the school to create a Business & Community Partnership Scheme, as Jackie Montrose, Co-ordinator for the scheme, explains:
“We are fortunate in that our region has a cluster of world class pharmaceutical and high-technology companies that offer a wealth of career opportunities for our pupils. We want to inspire them by showing how the knowledge they gain at school is just a small part of a much greater picture.
“We have the opportunity to take Applied Science and A-level students into Melbourn Scientific’s new laboratory and for the pupils to see ‘their’ experiments on an industrial scale and talk to analysts who are only a few years older than themselves about what it is like to work in science. This can teach them in a few hours more than we could in the classroom.”
The Business & Community Partnership aims to develop closer contacts with regional companies, the self-employed, charities and others to get them involved in guest speaking opportunities, mock interview practise, award sponsorship and the development of vocational diplomas at the school.
Melbourn Scientific was delighted to be invited to be the first Gold Partner for Meridian School’s Business & Community Partnership Scheme.
Business Development Director Mark Hammond comments: “The partnership scheme is a good way for companies to work with schools and we are delighted to be able to put something back into the local community. In general there has been a decline in people studying science and it’s a great opportunity to encourage local talent.”
Melbourn Scientific is also sponsoring the GCSE and A Level chemistry prizes, which are given out at a special presentation evening in December.
There are three levels and types of Partnership available: gold, silver and bronze, each offering a variety of ways of being a partner. In return, the school offers a number of incentives, including free web space and links to company web sites, PR and advertising opportunities, and reduced rate conferencing, meeting, printing and ICT facilities.
Organisations interested in finding out more are encouraged to contact Kevin O’Grady, Assistant Head or Jackie Montrose, Business and Community Liaison Co-Ordinator on 01763 242236.