Cox praises college’s star quality

Photo: Tony Miller

FANTASTIC science: Brian Cox with Broadfield Primary School pupils , from left, Ibrahim Jamroze, Lucas Tierney and Jameel Yaseen.

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CELEBRITY scientist professor Brian Cox proved a star attraction when he opened an extension at Oldham Sixth Form College.

The Chadderton-born academic described the college’s facilities as “spectacular” when he met students of all ages — from primary school to teachers on an engineering training course — during the three-hour visit.

He was joined by Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, the University of Manchester’s president and vice chancellor.

Professor Cox said the college’s success rate for students applying to Manchester University was almost double the national average.

Officially opening the extension to the Duncan Lawton Building with professor Rothwell, he told students: “Manchester University is one of the best education establishments in the world and it’s open to you. It’s open to you because of this place and because schools in Oldham are now of sufficiently high quality.

“If you want to you can say ‘I am going to do this. I am going to get my GCSEs, get my A-levels and apply to the university to do physics, chemistry and even the arts!’

“When I was at school in Oldham in the 1970s and 80s, it was very unusual for people in Oldham to get access to that education. Now it’s in your hands.”

The first stop was to meet pupils from Broadfield Primary School having an electronics lesson at the college’s regional science centre.

Ibrahim Jamroze (9) and Lucas Tierney (10) were among the pupils who got their exercise books signed by Professor Cox whose hit TV series include the recent “Human Universe”, “Wonders of the Universe” and “Wonders of the Solar System”.

Lucas, who wants to be an astrophysicist, said: “He was absolutely awesome.”

Professors Cox and Rothwell also judged a science poster competition which was won by North Chadderton pupils Rezaul Karim, Rebecca Morton, Amelia Hall and Brendan Hill.

They also met primary school teachers learning new engineering skills to help inspire their pupils as part of the primary engineering programme, and spoke to students on the college’s access programme, which encourages students to apply to Manchester University. They also took part in a question and answer session with college students.

One-time pop star Professor Cox said it was “overwhelmingly important” to inspire the next generation of scientists: “It’s important for the students themselves. My life chances came from being inspired by science.

“Also our economy, not only locally but nationally, is based more and more on science, engineering and high-tech industry. There are not enough highly trained graduates in this country. We need more of them.

“Particularly in engineering and physics, there are too few women. What was interesting about the students I saw here today is that’s not the case. There was a reasonable balance between girls and boys.”

Professor Rothwell added: “I am amazed by the facilities here. They would put a number of universities to shame.”