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We’ve hit the halfway point of the term, and one thing’s clear, our students have made us extremely proud. It’s been a week full of exciting wins, brilliant ideas, and unforgettable moments.
From standing out at the Business of Science Conference in Liverpool, where Shaza’s “Bio Clamp” project won the top secondary prize, to showing off amazing primary projects and picking up big leadership awards, our schools are really making their mark.
The primary and secondary students within our trust also got stuck into STEM with some fascinating microscopy work, and Studio School students did an amazing job in digital enterprise through the IDEA Awards, and not to mention placements at Skyhook Games.
Keep reading to check out everything they’ve achieved and the amazing opportunities that have come their way. Have a brilliant half-term!
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End of Year Trip for Ignite and Year 10 students
We have limited availability for 80 students to get involved in an adventure course hidden in the treetops of Brockhole on Windermere.
Students will be met with zip lines, climbing obstacles and a stunning view of the iconic Lake Windermere.
When? Thursday, 17th of July.
The full cost of the day is £45, which includes the activity and travel.
If you would like more information, please contact student services.
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Future Innovators Take the Stage at the Business of Science Conference
The Business of Science Conference was held in Liverpool this year. At this conference, some of our students from our sixth form supported at the event as part of the Baltic Research Institute.
In the secondary category, there were two projects shortlisted from Liverpool Life Sciences UTC and The Studio School, one project from Year 10, named Bio Clamp and the other was from Ignite, called Sea Sparkles. These students were able to attend in person and got to explain their project in further detail to the conference attendees. Of these entries, Bio Clamp was selected as the winner for the Secondary Category. We are all very impressed with Shaza for her work on this project and can’t wait to see where she takes it next.
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We would also like to congratulate Saskia and Adina for their outstanding achievement as runners-up.
In addition to this, we had four projects from across the Northern Schools Trust shortlisted as finalists for the Innovation Award. In the primary category, both Roscoe (Recycling Robby) and Four Oaks (Dissolving Dog Poo Spray) had entries where their posters were displayed at the conference. Unfortunately, as both of these were Year 6 entries, they were unable to attend in person due to the timing of their SAT exam; despite this, they did have videos that could be played to explain their project to the attendees judging. While neither of these projects won in their category, they were wonderful posters that really helped to show the students' ideas, and we are very proud of them.
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Dr. Dyer and Miss. Linkman awarded at the Business of Sciences Pre-Conference Dinner
In addition to the conference on the 15th of May. Steve Bennet also hosted a pre-conference dinner on the evening of the 14th of May. This dinner was a great networking event for attendees and is also where the Leadership awards took place. There are several awards across the business sector, one of which is the Business of Science Founders Award for Leadership, in recognition of the long-standing support of the Business of Science Conference.
Two of these were awarded this year; one to Dr. Dyer and Miss. Linkman for their annual attendance, commitment and support for the conference. They have taken groups of students to every Business of Science Conference since the second one in 2017. This took us to Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and right up to Edinburgh before bringing our amazing BRI team to help run the first one in Liverpool.
The second was awarded to Professor Andy Miah from the University of Salford for his support and the regular sponsorship from the university.
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Work Experience at Skyhook Games
Last week, Mairiella and Katie, two of our Studio School Creative students, spent four days of work experience at one of our partners Skyhook Games.
We asked them what they learnt during their time there. Mairiella shared, "I learnt how the game industry works as well as what it takes to make a game. I also learnt what different jobs you can have and what life in those jobs could be like." Katie said, "We learnt what the individual roles within a video game company consist of and require, as well as the different ways people get into the industry."
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With regard to our students' job roles during their time at Skyhook Games, Mairiella said, "I made a selection of projects and spoke to some of the staff members working there and got to see what they were working on." Katie said, "We were assigned projects based on what Skyhook Games is working on."
We asked Mairiella and Katie what they enjoyed the most. Katie highlighted, "I enjoyed being able to experience the office environment as well as being able to speak to people throughout the week."
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In terms of how it has prepared them for the jobs of tomorrow, Katie shared, "I'm aware of what a job in the industry may entail and what programs I may be working with." Mairiella said, "I now have a clearer understanding of what a creative office environment is like as well as a better understanding of what career I might want to pursue."
We asked Susan, Head of Studio at Skyhook Games, how Mairiella and Katie's work experience went. She shared, “They got on really well with the tasks set and seemed to have enjoyed it. Hopefully, they got a better idea of what is involved in game design and development, and they had an opportunity to sit with a couple of different artists, QA and marketing to get a feel for what people's roles involve."
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Ignite Computer Science
Students have been working on The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (IDEA), a digital version of the DofE awards.
Pictured are Adam and Muhammad, proudly displaying their Bronze Awards.
A massive well done to you both!
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Thomas Gray visited Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
This week, we welcomed Thomas Gray to Liverpool Life Sciences UTC. They enjoyed a session using the scanning electron micrograph, learning to move samples, focus and adjust brightness, and how to capture their images. They also used Liverpool Life Sciences UTC's own dissecting microscopes. The children had a lovely time, and I’m sure they will remember these amazing images for a long time!
The microscope is provided as a loan scheme supported by Hitachi, The Natural History Museum and The Royal Microscopical Society.
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North Liverpool Academy visited Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
This week, we also welcomed NLA, one of the secondary schools in the Northern Schools Trust, to our state-of-the-art facilities. The Sixth Form students thoroughly enjoyed the scanning electron micrograph and dissecting microscope session provided by Dr. Mitchell which proved to be invaluable to them.
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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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This week's Electron Micrographs
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Here is a mosquito spiracle. Insects don’t take in air through their mouths like us; the air enters into a network of tubes (tracheal system) through holes in their sides called spiracles. This fabulous electron micrograph shows the spiracles into the network of the tracheal system. The sample was kindly provided by Frazer at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
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While observing a bee, we noticed this little guy... a mite? A varroa mite?
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These crazy Trichomes are on the bottom of some leaves and are part of an ongoing project. We think they are beautiful, but today we found out they also glow under UV light, which made for quite a magical lesson, which enchanted some unlikely characters!
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Here is an ant, brought in by Mohidian in Ignite. He was super keen, so he stayed after school to take a look.
Check out the amazing jaw, one side is missing.
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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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Horizon: MersEsports 2025
Get ready for an unmissable weekend of esports, gaming, and interactive experiences right in the heart of Liverpool.
Whether you’re a hardcore player, a casual fan, a family or just love games, Horizon: MersEsports brings something for everyone, with live tournaments, workshops, interactive games zones, VR, and a packed games industry expo.
Day Tickets: £11
Weekend Tickets: £16.50
Kids under 14: Free
Click here to buy tickets.
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Baltic Ventures - Accelerator 2025 Internship
Applications close on Friday, 27th of June.
Baltic Ventures is a tech accelerator on a mission to support game-changing founding teams who are building the solutions and businesses of tomorrow. They are seeking a talented individual to join them on a part-time basis for 12 weeks, supporting them in the delivery of their annual accelerator program.
This is a unique opportunity to gain experience at one of the UK’s top accelerator programmes and to work within a close-knit organisation that is changing the LCR tech landscape.
The successful candidate should be interested in entrepreneurship, the tech start-up space and the activities which relate to this, i.e raising investment. Their internship opportunity is ideally suited for a candidate considering a career in venture capital and early-stage investing, innovation and entrepreneurship, community and ecosystem development and events and marketing, as well as those considering founding a company.
Location: Baltic Triangle, Liverpool City Region
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Start date: Monday, 8th of September
Employment term: Temporary (12 weeks September - November 2025)
Hours: Part-time (15 hours per week: Monday in person, and one other day hybrid)
Please note: Due to funding, Baltic Ventures will only be considering applicants based within the Liverpool City Region.
For further information on Baltic Ventures, please click here.
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The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board Scholarship (ECITB) Applications Now Open for Autumn 2025 Start
This is your opportunity to launch your career in engineering construction while gaining hands-on experience and receiving a weekly allowance during your studies.
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An ECITB Scholarship equips you with the skills, knowledge and industry-recognised qualifications that employers are looking for. This full-time, off-the-job engineering programme equips learners with hands-on industrial skills and technical knowledge.
Training typically takes place 3–5 days a week over one or two years and helps build a strong foundation for a successful career in engineering construction.
What Scholarships are available? There is a range of disciplines to choose from, delivered by our network of training providers across the UK - Click here to view.
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Work Experience Opportunities at Bentley
Applications for annual work experience programmes at Bentley are now open, with opportunities throughout the business in Manufacturing, Research and Development, Finance and HR.
Designed for individuals aged 16-18, our opportunities offer a behind-the-scenes experience at the most sought-after luxury automotive brand in the world.
As part of the programme, you'll immerse yourself in the heart of Bentley's operations, experiencing first-hand the meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies that define their iconic brand.
Work experience at Bentley is a gateway to professional growth and personal development. You'll have the opportunity to engage with Bentley's Early Careers team and connect with industry-leading experts, gaining valuable insights and forging lasting connections. Hear about the experiences from their 2024 cohort here.
Roles will be available across several business areas:
- Manufacturing Production
- Wood
- Sew
- Logistics
- Research & Development / Engineering
- HR
- Finance
- Product Line
Successful candidates will join Bentley at their campus in Crewe, Cheshire from Tuesday, 8th to Friday, 11th of July 2025.
Applications are open for two weeks, closing on Friday, 23rd of May 2025 - Click here to apply.
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Edge Hill Subject Taster Days
These events give students a valuable opportunity to explore their chosen subject, experience university life, and take part in hands-on activities designed to inspire and inform. Secure a spot soon before they’re all gone!
Edge Hill Taster Days fill up quickly. They encourage you to secure a spot as soon as possible. Follow this link to book your place on one of their following taster sessions now:
- Wednesday, 4th of June – Humanities
- Thursday, 5th of June – Sport & Physical Activity
- Thursday, 12th of June – Arts
- Wednesday, 18th of June – Education & Teaching
- Thursday, 19th of June – Sciences
- Wednesday, 25th of June – Health, Social Care & Medicine
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Looking for Independent AI Learning: How and When to Use AI in Your Job Search
Responsible AI
From chatbots answering your late-night questions to meme generators making your group chats pop, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. But how does it all work, and how do we make sure it’s used responsibly? This module will take you behind the scenes of AI, exploring data security, privacy, and ethics—plus a few Microsoft tools that make it all happen. Launch module here.
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AI Fundamentals
Breaks down the magic behind Artificial Intelligence and shows you how it’s reshaping the way we work, create, and solve problems. We’ll also explore how AI is changing day-to-day tasks and how you can use it in your future careers. Launch module here.
Using AI for Career Preparation
Using AI for Career Preparation! In this module, you’ll discover how AI tools can become your time saver for career research, CV building, and networking. By the end, you’ll not only understand how AI can enhance your career prep but you’ll also have the practical skills to make it happen. Launch module here.
Using AI for Interview and Assessment Preparation
Using AI for Interview and Assessment Preparation! This module is designed to show you how AI tools can support your journey to becoming interview-ready, helping you refine your skills, craft standout responses, and boost your confidence. By the end, you'll have actionable insights into leveraging AI for career advancement. Launch module here.
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Insight into University Residential
Insight into University Residential Experience (previously known as Headstart) are summer schools that run over four or five days, where students get a taster of university life and an insight into a specific STEM subject. Students will get the opportunity to experience university-style lectures and work on activities and group projects with the support of academics and student mentors.
Students will stay in halls of residence and will take part in social activities in the evenings. These courses are for Year 12 students and are a great way to try out a STEM subject at university before applying.
Residential courses running in summer 2025
- Maths at Lancaster
- Mechanical Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire
- Materials Science at Oxford
- Aerospace Engineering at Liverpool
- Ocean & Earth Science at Southampton
- Chemical Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire
- Engineering & Physical Sciences at the University of Lincoln
Non-residential courses running in summer 2025
- Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies at Aston University
These summer schools are run for small groups and so places are limited. Find out more and apply here.
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Games Design Bootcamps
Are you a student preparing for a career as a game designer, or a career-changer looking to make the jump into making games? Games Design Skill's intensive courses can help you build your career-ready design skills.
GDS is an educational hub that gives you direct access to veteran game designers and developers via their Game Design Bootcamps, focusing on mechanics, game writing, and level design.
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The programs are taught by industry experts (people who’ve worked for years at Blizzard, Riot, Ubisoft, and more) and are all about hands-on learning. Enrolment is open now until the 14th of June, and courses kick off on the 21st of June.
- Mechanics Bootcamp with Alexander Brazie
Master the art of game mechanics design. Learn to craft deep, scalable gameplay systems and communicate them clearly to teams (and in interviews). This one is made for aspiring systems designers or anyone who loves tinkering with game balance and rules.
- Game Writing Bootcamp with Kelly Bender
Dive into narrative design. You’ll create an industry-quality game writing project (think characters, dialogue, world-building) across 8+ deliverables, then polish it into a standout portfolio piece. Kelly's course is ideal if you want to be a narrative designer or game writer.
- Level Design & Blockout Bootcamp with Nathan Kellman
Build a playable 3D level from scratch. Using Unreal Engine 5, you’ll block out an action-adventure level through multiple iterations and playtests, honing layout, pacing, and gameplay flow. By the end, you’ll have a pro-grade level design to show off in your portfolio.
Each bootcamp runs for 12 weeks with live online sessions (you can attend from anywhere) and mentorship from seasoned designers. You’ll be joining a cohort on Discord, getting feedback from guest instructors, and completing projects that mirror real studio work.
On top of that, the courses are built by people who’ve designed or written for huge games (Assassin’s Creed, League of Legends, Diablo IV, and others), so they know what hiring managers want to see. They'll help you show your best self in your application materials .
Secure your spot on a GDS Bootcamp now - Click here to sign up.
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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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Ten Tips for Standing Out on LinkedIn
LinkedIn, is a vital tool for professionals, jobseekers, and career changers. It’s ideal for students who are just getting started.
1. Use a respectable email address
Tip: Gmail and Outlook are widely viewed as acceptable and respectable email providers.
2. Don't leave your profile half-done
Tip: Work relevant keywords into your narrative. Using appropriate words and phrases can highlight your knowledge of a particular sector.
3. A powerful headline
Tip: Many people use a vertical bar to divide their writing into sections | It signals the start of a new statement | See what we mean?
4. Don't be shy
Tip: It's recommend selecting at least ten skills to help you appear in searches.
5. Make meaningful connections
Tip: Include a personal note when you request to link in to stand out.
6. Leverage LinkedIn for self-development
Tip: Many professionals are happy to offer guidance on working in a particular industry or role; don’t be scared to ask and show you are taking the initiative.
7. Signs of life
Tip: If you are actively seeking a job or new clients, being active on LinkedIn should form part of your daily routine.
8. Looking for work
Tip: If you choose to share with all members, your profile picture will show a green #OpenToWork frame.
9. Create original content
Tip: Weigh the risk beforehand, but being controversial can help your post go viral. Whatever you choose to do, always be authentic and take care not to offend others.
10. Work the algorithm
Tip: The LinkedIn algorithm will reward you for regularly updating your profil
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University of Law Online Session
Find out more about university life at the University of Law.
Join their online session to hear from current undergraduates about balancing studies, making friends, managing part-time work, finding work experience, and getting involved on campus.
Tuesday, 10th of June, 5-5.45 pm - Click here to register.
Ask your questions, pick up practical tips, and feel confident about your next steps.
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Financial Futures: A Workshop for Students
Join InnovateHer for a free, 40-minute interactive workshop with MONY (previously Money Super Market) - designed to empower students with essential financial knowledge and skills.
When? Wednesday, 11th of June, at 9.15 am - Click here to register.
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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 May, delivered via Zoom.
- Introduction to Self-Harm - Friday, 30th of May, 10-11 am -Book here.
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Liverpool City Council ASD Training Team Virtual Drop-in Advisory Sessions
The Liverpool ASD Training Team are providing a series of virtual drop-in advisory sessions via zoom. They are for parent/carers wishing to talk in a private one-to-one setting about any questions or concerns they may have about their child. You do not require a diagnosis of ASD to book your place.
When?
3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 16th, 23rd, 25th, 27th June @ 1 pm
1st, 2nd, 3rd of July @ 2 pm
To book your place, please email [email protected]
With a choice of your date and time and you will be emailed a zoom link.
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Curious About Careers in Construction or Want to Learn Something New?
Come along to this fantastic free ‘Build Your Skills’ family fun day event - packed with activities for all ages!
Location: Newsham Adult Learning Centre, 83 Newsham Drive, L6 7UH.
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Upcoming University Open Days
University of Salford
Click here to register.
University of Liverpool
- Friday, 20th of June
- Saturday, 21st of June
- Saturday, 20th of September
- Saturday, 11th of October
Click here to receive an alert when bookings are live.
UCLAN Preston
Click here to register.
University of Chester
Click here to register.
Teeside University
Saturday, 21st of June
Click here to register.
Liverpool Hope University
Click here to register.
Bangor University
- Saturday, 5th of July
- Sunday, 17th of August
- Sunday, 12th of October
- Saturday, 1st of November
- Saturday, 22nd of November
Click here to register.
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Word of The Week - Confluence
Definition - An act or process of merging
From Latin: eloqui, "to speak out"
Usage - "We seem to be faced with an uneasy confluence of two issues."
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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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