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Welcome back to the Summer Term. We hope you all had a well-rested Easter. The year is really gathering pace. We are now at that critical point where students are, and need to be extremely focused on the summer exam season, which is a matter of weeks away.
It’s been a dynamic week of learning and discovery. From presenting vaccine designs to AstraZeneca scientists, to exploring a film and culture workshop, investigating moss micro-life, and analysing key sociological theories, our students have been fully immersed in hands-on, real-world learning.
Read on for the highlights.
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AstraZeneca Vaccine Challenge judging and poster showcase
On Thursday, the 24th of April, we welcomed 7 visitors from AstraZeneca who were at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC to judge the academic posters produced by our Year 12 Biologists who have been working on the Vaccine Development Project.
Staff from AstraZeneca, including a Principal Scientist, a Virologist, and a Scientist who is an ex-student of Liverpool Life Sciences UTC, were at the CUC for 3 hours, speaking to over twenty A-Level Biology students about their research.
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The students were set the challenge of designing a vaccine which could be rapidly produced to deal with a fictional strain of "Airborne Ebola". Staff from AstraZeneca pitched the challenge to students at the start of the school year, and the students have been researching the problem in their Project-Based Learning sessions since.
It was a chance for students to pitch their vaccine designs to experts from AstraZeneca as an academic conference-style poster presentation. For many of the students, it was the first time they had presented research in this format, and the quality of the poster presentations they produced were amazing.
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It was a fantastic way to end the project, and at least 10 students will be awarded a bespoke week-long work experience placement at AstraZeneca in Speke to learn about all aspects of the business.
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Arabic Teachers Council - Film and Culture Workshop
On Thursday, students from Liverpool Life Sciences UTC and Studio had the opportunity to attend an engaging workshop on Film and Culture led by Dr. Salwa Mohamed. Part of a Liverpool Arabic Teachers’ Council initiative funded by QFI, the session explored Arabic cinema and cultural representation. It was followed by a Teacher Training session on Cinema and Culture, focused on A-level content, where modern foreign languages teachers had the opportunity to network, share expertise, and get inspired.
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Scanning Electron Microscope
This week, in Project-Based Learning, a group of Ignite students enjoyed a Moss Safari workshop. Students looked at microscopic organisms which live in moss, hoping to find some tardigrades. The workshop started with a superb recorded introduction by Dr Andy Chandler-Grevatt from Brighton University, who is our academic partner on this project. In future sessions, we will be using the scanning electron microscope to observe these organisms at high magnification and resolution. But on Wednesday, we assessed several different methods of sampling organisms from moss, judging our success by observations using light microscopes.
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The hunt for microorganisms was loads of fun. The students didn't find any tardigrades, but we saw lots of unicellular organisms, amoeba, rotifers, nematode worms and the organism in the photograph, which we think is a mite. Isla, an Ignite student, managed to isolate this little guy using a pipette, a very skilled manoeuvre requiring superb hand-eye coordination.
We look forward to using the preliminary work which we have carried out to hit the ground running with the next Moss Safari on the Scanning Electron Microscope!
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GCSE Sociology
Our budding sociologists have been exploring the interactionist concept ‘labelling and self-fulfilling prophecies’. Students have been analysing research such as Rosenthal and Jacobsons spurter’s study and Jane Elliott's brown eyes, blue eyes experiment. The conclusions drawn are that negative labels are applied to ethnic minority and working-class students, leading to middle-class students outperforming all others.
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Click here to find out more about this career pathway.
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Sickness procedure
From a safeguarding perspective, students who indicate they are feeling unwell will not be sent out of class as an unwell/injured student unaided may faint on the stairs or corridor. Staff will call first aid and first aid will go to the student. Students are not to contact home themselves when they are unwell, staff will call parents if needed.
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Leave us a Google Review
We strive to provide the best experience for our students. Your feedback helps us improve and continue delivering quality education and care. If you’ve had a good experience with us, we’d love to hear from you.
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Leaving a review on Google helps others learn more about our schools and gives us valuable insight.
Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
The Studio School
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Explore Careers in Technology
The technology sector is evolving faster than ever, offering exciting career paths in AI, cybersecurity, software development, and more. With high demand for digital skills, apprenticeships provide a hands-on route into this dynamic field.
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Telent Apprenticeships
A leading technology company and specialist in the design, build, support and management of the UK’s critical digital infrastructure, drawing on decades of experience in mission-critical communications and technology - click here to find out more.
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QA Apprenticeships
Discover your potential in the data, digital and tech industries with a QA apprenticeship, mastering the skills and technologies that employers are seeking today - to find out more click here.
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Learning people
Tech career experts with a mission to demystify the technology industry - click here to find out more.
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Uniform and equipment reminder
I would like to remind parents of the uniform standards with regard to girl’s trousers. A small number of students are wearing fashion trousers, made of Lycra material and flared leggings in style. The expectation is for students to wear school trousers or a pleated skirt.
All students are required to have a school bag with them every day. This must be large enough to carry a number of A4 revision guides. We will provide your child with a suitable bag if they are unable to obtain one.
Jill Davies, Principal at Life Sciences and The Studio School.
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Unifrog free webinars
Pre-16: What options are there after school?
Students can start to explore their options after GCSEs in these expert-led webinars covering universities and apprenticeships. There’s also a session for parents and caregivers!
When?
Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th of April from 4.30 pm - click here to register.
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Work Experience opportunity: Home Office
This 5-day face-to-face work experience will give a real insight into the Home Office and the government department. The placement will give students the opportunity to work alongside several teams, including operational commands, intelligence and project delivery. If you are interested in Law, STEM or Computing, then this could be of interest to you.
Ages: 16-19
Dates and times: Monday 16th - Friday 20th of June | 9.30 am - 3 pm
Location: Liverpool City Centre
Places available: 10
Application Deadline: Monday, 19th of May
Full details and how to apply can be viewed here.
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Upcoming University Open Days
- University of Salford: Saturday, 14th of June - click here to register.
- University of Liverpool: Friday, 20th of June & Saturday, 21st of June -click here to register.
- UCLAN Preston: Saturday, 21st of June - click here to register.
- University of Chester: Saturday, 21st of June - click here to register.
- Teeside University: Saturday, 21st of June - click here to register.
- Liverpool Hope University: Saturday, 28th of June - click here to register.
- University of Oxford: Saturday, 2nd & Sunday, 3rd of July - Booking system is still yet to open, click here to find out more.
- Edge Hill University: Friday, 4th of July & Saturday, 5th of July 2025 - click here to register.
- Bangor University: Saturday, 5th of July - click here to register.
- University of Cambridge: Thursday, 10th & Friday, 11th of July - click here to register.
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Medical School Applications: Virtual Conference - Exclusively for parents and guardians
Overview of the Medical School Application Virtual Conference 2025
Sunday, 4th of May, 12.30-6 pm on Microsoft Teams.
The deadline to sign up is the 30th of April at 6 pm.
This conference will be an afternoon of webinars talking about topics such as UCAS application, finances, interviews and personal statements, ending with a Q&A panel of medical students at different stages of their medical training.
The In2MedSchool Essay competition will also be launched during this event.
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How AI Can Help Your Career Journey: Exclusive Dell Webinar for Students in Years 12 and 13
Experts from across Dell Technologies will discuss:
- How employers are using AI to help with the recruitment process
- How AI can be used effectively by applicants to help them get a job.
- How AI is changing jobs at Dell
- Open Q&A session to answer questions
Wednesday, 18th of June - Click here to book your place now!
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This month, “Scouse House” Baltic Ventures are celebrating Baltic Creative
"The Scouse House" is a new feature in the Baltic Ventures Newsletter that highlights some of the best things about the Liverpool City Region.
The Baltic Creative story and team are well known to those of us who work in the area, but further afield readers might not know the story of Baltic Creative CIC and how, alongside partners, they transformed the Baltic Triangle area into the thriving hub it is now.
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In the early 2000s, the Baltic Triangle was a largely derelict area, and Baltic Creative CIC was established to help lead the transformation of the area. Baltic Creative CIC now provides a home and community space for over 100 digital and creative industries.
Find out more about their story, the transformation this has created, and why Baltic Creative are so proud to call this area their home - find out more here.
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Escape Studios London: Animation, Games and Visual Effects degree in the heart of London
Did you know the creative industries are the UK’s fastest-growing sector? Estimated to grow by 26% this year, contributing £132.1 billion to the UK economy (Gov UK), now's the time to start thinking about your creative future.
Get your foot in the door with a world-leading creative school. At Escape Studios, they are ranked 1st in the world for Production Excellence in Immersive Media by The Rookies, accredited as a Toon Boom Harmony and Unreal Engine Authorised Training Centre.
You'll learn from expert tutors with credits on Bond: Spectre, Black Mirror, Game of Thrones and the Harry Potter films. Ready to discover your creative escape?
Undergraduate Open Day
- Saturday, 21st of June, 10 am – 1 pm & 1.30-4.30 pm
- Location: 6 Mitre Passage, North Greenwich, London, SE5 0ER
Click here to book your place.
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Mental Health Support
Make an online referral to Liverpool's Children & Young People's Mental Health Support. Children and young people, parents and carers in crisis can access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, freephone 0808 196 3550. Visit the emergency advice page for more information.
Training for parents/carers & professionals working with children & young people
Merseyside Youth Association’s mental health promotion team (RAISE Team) deliver a range of FREE bite-size courses covering a range of mental health issues that impact children, young people and their families. Bite-size sessions coming up in April, delivered via Zoom.
- Children in Care Pathway - Tuesday, 29th of April, 10 am - 11.30 am - click here to book.
- The Importance of Sleep - Wednesday, 30th of April, 12 pm - 1 pm - click here to book.
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Technology Work Experience Day
For students ages 16-21, various dates and locations – find out more here.
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Live Virtual Aviation Event - Inspiring the Future
Inspiring the Future is hosting three events in 2025. Register for each event using the links below.
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University of Liverpool: Meet the Russell Group Webinars
Representatives from different Russell Group universities will again be participating in this very popular interactive webinar series. Students can book the following sessions:
- Tuesday, 29th of April at 12 pm - Introduction to the Russell Group
- Tuesday, 29th of April at 4.30 pm - Student Life
- Wednesday, 30th of April at 9 am - Considering clinical and health professions
- Thursday, 1st of May at 12 pm- Researching university options
- Thursday, 1st of May at 4.30 pm - Personal statements and applying
All who book will be given a link to attend and access to the recordings afterwards - register here.
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Apprenticeships in Digital, Events & Music Software Development, Sport & Business
Find out more information here.
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Are you interested in kickstarting your career with an apprenticeship at Network Rail?
Network Rail currently has a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available, including Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeships. These apprenticeships offer a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and build a strong foundation for your future career.
Don't miss out—apply now before the opportunities close, more information here.
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The University of Sheffield Online Subject Taster Days
Languages and Cultures – French
Tuesday, 29th of April, 5-7.15 pm - click here to register.
Civil and Structural Engineering
Tuesday, 29th of April, 5-6 pm - click here to register.
Computer Science
Thursday, 1st of May, 5-6 pm - click here to register.
Mechanical Engineering
Thursday, 8th of May, 5-6 pm - click here to register.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Tuesday, 13th of May, 5-6 pm - click here to register.
Materials Science and Engineering
Wednesday, 14th of May, 5-6 pm - click here to register.
ACSE (Mechatronics, Robotics & Computer Systems Engineering)
Wednesday, 14th of May, 5-6 pm - click here to register.
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Chemical Engineering
Thursday, 15th May, 5-6 pm - click here to register.
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Tuesday, 20th of May, 5-6.30 pm - click here to register.
Computer Science
Wednesday, 21st of May, 12-1 pm - click here to register.
Biomedical Engineering
Wednesday, 21st of May, 5- 6 pm - click here to register.
Pharmacy
Wednesday, 7th of May, 4-5.15 pm - click here to register.
Applied Social Sciences / Journalism / Education
Wednesday, 14th of May, 5-6.15 pm - click here to register.
Landscape Architecture / Urban Studies and Planning / Geography
Wednesday, 21st of May, 5-6.15 pm - click here to register.
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Word of the Week - Equanimity
Definition - Calmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation.
From Latin: aequum "even, level" + animus "mind, spirit"
Usage - His sense of humour allowed him to face adversaries with equanimity.
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Vaping – We would like to remind you that we do not allow students to bring items such as cigarettes, lighters, matches or e-cigarettes/ vapes into school.
Zero Tolerance of Abuse - The NST has a zero-tolerance approach to abusive language, violence, aggression or harassment towards employees, governors and volunteers.
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