Antimicrobial Resistance and Biological Sensing Talk

Liverpool University’s Department of Science and Engineering delivered a superb talk for Year 9 this week when Dr Ian Sandall led a fascinating video conference lecture.

Dr Sandall first introduced pupils to the innovations currently being developed in Liverpool by Engineers and Scientists – from image recognition and tracking, robotics to drone technology to deliver medical supplies. Dr Sandall then explained his own current research in antimicrobial resistance which can be used for surface and air decontamination. He explained how this technology used antimicrobial resistance to make controlled plasma bolts to decontaminate surfaces and decontaminate wounds to promote healing. Throughout the Coronavirus crisis, Liverpool University has been working directly with Liverpool hospitals to see if this technology can be used to decontaminated PPE one use items to allow then to be safely reused during the world wide shortage. He is also developing a new handheld optoelectronic camera which would allow for diagnostic testing of blood sampling to create a handheld and portable piece of equipment which would revolutionise blood testing in the UK.

Our sincere thanks to Dr Sandall for this fascinating insight into the world of Science and Engineering.

Mrs Doran

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Biopharmaceutical Masterclass

Year 11 and Y12 students interested in Science were given an incredible opportunity this week when they participated in a video conference call with Dr Matthew Downham, Associate Director of AstraZeneca, a company specialising in the worldwide development and distribution of flu vaccines globally.

Matthew works directly with the WHO and Chris Whitty, whom many of you will now be very familiar. After a fascinating talk about research and development in bio pharmaceuticals, Matthew also explained the current development to develop treatments and vaccines for the current coronavirus pandemic. The students were able to ask direct questions for this worldwide expert to answer, about his career, WHO, how vaccines work, and much complex topics like passive and active immune responses, which was extremely beneficial for their understanding of this highly relevant topic. Our thanks to Dr Downham for giving up his valuable time so generously. It was fascinating!

Mrs Doran

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Charity Champion!

Congratulations to Oliver N (Y3) who has been using his exercise time in lockdown to run a marathon over a week for North West Cancer Research.

Oliver said: "I wanted to help this charity because our choir sang at a cancer research concert and they have come into school to tell us about sun safety. I know the charity are losing money because of the coronavirus so I wanted to help. It was hard to do every day but I kept going and am really pleased with what I have raised".

Oliver has raised an incredible £630 so far.

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Live Assembly Broadcast!

Liverpool College pupils were involved in a superb opportunity on Friday when they were invited to take part in a live assembly organised by STEAM Schools –conducted through video conferencing and broadcast to the world LIVE! The assembly celebrated Science, Technology, Engineering, Enterprise and Maths.

Archie, a Y6 pupil, explained how he had been inspired by a live interview with HADO Sports (a company that combines augmented reality technology with a competitive sport) to re-engineer a virtual reality headset for people to wear whilst playing sports. Archie won a STEAM schools award for his superb design, winning an Amazon gift card and certificate in Engineering.

Hugh, Amelia and Emily were also interviewed live by the CEO of STEAM schools, explaining how they have been inspired by STEAM school live interviews with big names in Tech such as Pokemon Go, Fortnite and Instagram, learning about topics last term such as how augmented reality, free roam TV, motion tracking, immersive technologies and how Instagram filters are created.

After pupils watch the interviews with these pioneers, they are then asked to participate in a series of individual challenges to develop their own skills. Emily (Y5) created a poster explaining how Pokemon Go uses Augmented Reality Technology and designed her own gaming idea which combined Pokemon Go with Ultra Leap’s - Leap Motion technology to use hand tracking to enhance a virtual reality experience. This project was sent to Pokemon Go!

Mrs Doran

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NWG&T Masterclasses

Every day this week, pupils from Liverpool College have been involved in a superb programme of masterclasses in English and Maths, organised by North West Gifted and Talented, specifically targeted at high attaining students from Y2-Y6. In lockdown, it is imperative that our most able students continue to be stretched and challenged. Targeted one year group at a time, these video conference workshops allow academic students to meet other able students from schools across the North West, to work on tasks aimed to stimulate their intellect and develop their learning.

Below is a report from Katherine H (Y5) about the masterclasses:

I really enjoyed the virtual session this week. There were lots of incredibly interesting word problems. It was challenging, and that was the best part about it. We got to understand how word problems work, and how to use our ideas and imagination properly to solve them. I’m sure each time we do it it’ll get better and better. I love it so far. Some of the word problems I didn’t get at first, but thanks to the host’s help, I understood everything. It’s a really helpful masterclass and I’m glad that I was chosen to take part. It’s already helping my creative writing skills, and making my imagination grow stronger! I can’t wait for my next session! I’m very thankful to the Aileen Hoare, the host of the meeting.

Mrs Doran

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Supporting the NHS

Mr Cartwright has been busy in the DT workshop over the Easter holiday producing PPE equipment for the NHS.

Supported by resources from the University of Liverpool, Mr Cartwright and his team of family members produced 400 visors which have now been distributed to Broadgreen hospital and North Liverpool PCT.

The products are already being used by the medical team from Broadgreen. 

The school has also donated its supply of safety goggles to the NHS.

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