Subject enhancement day

This is an important part of our University’s work so that we can build confidence, familiarity and therefore aspiration amongst young people to consider study and careers they may not be familiar with. It also helps us maintain an external profile in our local communities, the ‘Anchor Institution’ work where we fulfil a role to engage, invite and connect communities and organisations on our doorstep.

The Schools and Colleges in attendance where Roundhay School, York College and New College Pontefract, with each bringing up to 30 students. The day started with a welcome and introduction to the School from our Dean, Dr Duncan Sharp. The Dean informed the students about the School of Health and the different courses we offer, our research centres and the education that we provide. He told the students about our partnership working with local NHS trusts, football teams and councils to provide our students with exciting and engaging placements in which they can develop their skills and gain hands on experience. How the work we do, and our graduates help make a difference to communities, organisations and people. Alongside what is important to us such as tackling inequalities.

After being given an introduction and overview students, went along to 3 different subject areas to gain a hands-on learning experience, exposing them to new ideas, techniques, and ways of learning. Biomedical Sciences delivered a session from Dr Jim Boyne, Dr Sue Lang and Dr Margarita Gomez Escalada whose backgrounds include Cell Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry. The students took a sample of blood and diluted it before viewing it under a microscope to count the number of red blood cells. They looked at different types of bacteria left behind from hands, on toilet seats and shoes and then tested their own fingers to see how much bacteria they had. Finally, they tested cake icing to see which sample had been poisoned.

Environmental Health and Health and Safety staff challenged the students to think about the number of risk assessments they undertake daily including getting out of bed, crossing the road and using items such as hair straighteners. They then used these skills to work their way through an emergency scenario, each adopting a different role and deciphering how best to deal with the situation whilst protecting the community. 

Grant Cropper and Jayne Enright, Senior Lecturers in the Health, Nutrition and Environment team ran the session: 

"It was so enjoyable to work with such enthusiastic and positive students. Their participation in the health and safety scenario was brilliant. 

"Without doubt, the ability to think logically and calmly whilst working under pressure, through the emergency scenario was there for all to see. 

"We look forward to welcoming the students back to the University in the near future, hopefully to study health and safety or environmental health."

Finally, the students attended a session with Nicky Everett and Mike Wragg Senior Lecturers from the Childhood Development and Playwork course. In this session the students discussed what play is and what it means to them and were introduced to the wide range of careers that can stem from completing the Childhood Development and Playwork course. They learnt about the different forms of play and the type of placements that our students undertake as part of the course. They then completed an activity in which they had to create an Alien and explain to the Alien what play is. The students’ creativity in this task really came to light and some excellent Aliens and examples were created.

Overall, the students fully immersed themselves in the day and made excellent contributions to discussions. They were challenged and inspired and agreed that Leeds Beckett is a great place to study.