Young scientists are in their element

Photo: Picture: ANTHONY MILLER

APPLIANCE of science: Councillor McMahon joins in a physics lesson with Elizabeth Jones (16) and Ryan Fanmassey (16).

OLDHAM’S new £10 million science facility is now a hive of activity after throwing open its doors to the first influx of students.

Oldham Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon hailed the Regional Science Centre Oldham (RSCO) as “a fantastic new facility which will help to raise aspirations and inspire future generations of our young people” as he toured the Kings Point building with Oldham Sixth Form College principal Jayne Clarke.

The pioneering partnership project between Oldham Council and Oldham Sixth Form College, which runs the centre, was launched to wide acclaim from students and staff.

The first batch of budding boffins settled down to study physics, biology, chemistry and electronics in state-of-the-art laboratories, IT-based study areas plus an exhibition space.

Councillor McMahon sat down with students and staff taking part in their very first lessons of the new academic year at the five-storey facility.

He said: “I understand the centre has already had very positive feedback from staff, students and academics who spent time in here prior to the summer break — and it is not hard to see why.

“With cutting-edge equipment, it is a fabulous setting in which we can now nurture a new generation of scientists who previously might not have had the option to continue into post-16 education and access new career opportunities in science.

“Oldham Council recently agreed to allocate a one-off sum of £200,000 to enable the local Junior University programme to continue. This scheme aims to raise education and employment prospects, and increase progression rates through to Further and Higher Education. Having this new centre here was central to that decision as it will offer young people an unprecedented chance to acquire the skills they need to make the very best of their potential.”

Jayne Clarke said: “It is absolutely thrilling to see our vision for this centre now coming to life on so many levels. This facility is going to be used by the full range of young people in local education from primary school through to undergraduates.

“Over the summer we’ve already had students taking part in a wide variety of projects that have given them real-life industry and university experiences that could give them a vital edge for their future careers.

“Through the Junior University scheme we are now able to offer a range of bespoke services for all local schools based on their specific needs, plus general activities for all. We are also forging strong links with other regional academic institutions like Huddersfield, Salford and Manchester universities, plus local science firms that include Astra Zeneca.

“Having the exhibition space also means this centre will become an important place to showcase scientific research and we already have some exciting future events lined up.”

To find out more about RSCO visit www.regionalsciencecentreoldham.ac.uk.