'The talk was extremely interesting. The Ambassador seemed to enjoy what she was talking about which made it more interesting for us. I learnt many new things and it actually made me like physics' enthuses a student at the Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College.

Please describe the activity carried out by the Ambassador

The Ambassador, Dr Anna Starkey, explained the phenomenon of the “Big Bang” experiment to certain groups of Yr11.  The KS4 students asked questions about the work Dr Starkey carries out.  Dr Starkey also gave a presentation on particle physics using the Angel and Demons book by Dan Brown to all Yr10 and KS5 students . 

Do you feel that the Ambassador had a positive impact on the pupils? If so please describe how.

Students were enthused from the talks – they felt is was great to speak to a Scientist who had such passion for their work and was really excited about their subject – it got the students interested in particle physics and they asked lots of questions.  The students felt they had a better understanding of key ideas about the “Big Bang” experiment. They also liked the way it was linked to the Dan Brown book some had read. One student asked for the powerpoint presentation on their data stick as they were reading the book at the time.  Also Dr Starkey was a young female which was a great role model for the girls in the school. 

Do you feel that the Ambassador had a positive impact on the staff? If so, please describe how.

Staff enjoyed the talk and got a deeper understanding of particle physics – the new areas in the specification.

Do you have any useful tips for other teachers on how to plan activities with Ambassador?

Make sure the talk suits the students ability.  For the lower ability students Anna spoke to them in labs as class sizes and adapted the powerpoint for them.  The higher ability Year 11 students were able for the more intellectual discussion.   So making sure your Ambassador knows the ability of your group before hand helps. 

Any future plans for more STEM Ambassador involvement?

I would like more Ambassadors to come and speak to the students  - Anna Starkey was fantastic – it really got the girls interested in a usually “difficult” subject.

Comments from some of the students:

The physics speech was entertaining and informative and made me think, as well as helping me to see Physics in a new light because it seemed more interesting and diverse than I’d anticipated.
Year 11 Student

The talk was extremely interesting. The Ambassador seemed to enjoy what she was talking about which made it more interesting for us. I learnt many new things and it actually made me like Physics.
Year 11 Student

I really enjoyed the particle talk. It made me think again about Physics and for the future as it showed it from a different perspective. I will definitely watch the film ‘Angels and Demons’ as soon as it comes out.                       
Year 11 Student
 

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