A-level students get inspiring lecture in IT

A-level Computing and IT students were treated to an inspiring lecture from former NULC student Sandra Nicholls.  Sandra now works for global IT company CapGemini, working on large, international IT projects.  Sandra studied an Access to HE course at NULC, which has led to her successful career.

Sandra said: “After the downturn of industry due to the recession, I wanted to find out how to boost my qualifications to fit what was needed for a new successful career. With the technological advancements over the last decade I also decided to refresh my skills in a fast moving world of IT.”

She talked to the students about the things that her current job involves, and gave advice about how to maximise their chances of achieving success at college, and going on to the university and career of their choice.

For more information about STEM provision and A-Level IT & Computing at NULC, email info@nulc.ac.uk or phone 01782 254254.

‘Maths Inspiration’ Trip

 
A-level Mathematics students attended a fantastic ‘maths inspiration’ show at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on Friday 5 December.  Students were treated to a really interesting show starting with MC Matt Parker, who is a stand-up mathematician.  He has a PhD in mathematics and now takes fun in inspiring people in maths all around the country. 

 

The first act of the day was Dr Hannah Fry, who is an expert on complexity, her talk was entitled ‘The Hidden Connections’.  She discussed with students  about how the hidden connections between us can be used to understand the mathematics of friendships and even to catch criminals.

The second talk was by Professor David Acheson and it was entitled ‘Desert Island Maths’.  David is a Cambridge maths professor and his entertaining talk was all about the eight objects that he would take to a desert island to remind him of mathematics at its best.

The third and final talk was by TV engineering star Hugh Hunt, who explained the mysterious maths of spinning things including balls, bombs and boomerangs.  He showed part of his documentary about Dambuster bombs, he examined Frank Lampard’s famous disallowed goal, and explained how a cat lands on its feet.  He even threw some boomerangs!

Students then had some time to visit Birmingham’s famous Christmas markets before heading back to the College.

 

For more information about STEM provision and A-Level Mathematics at NULC, email info@nulc.ac.uk or phone 01782 254254.

Mission Opening Doors Event – Manchester Museum of Science and Industry

A lucky group of ten A-level science and maths students went to a networking event at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry on Monday 17^th November.  The event was organised by 'mykindacrowd' and it was an event designed to inspire young people to reach their career potential regardless of circumstance. The mission was to nurture young talent and open young people to all the possibilities available to them. 

The event was an interactive experience for students to learn more about the world of work, professional opportunities available and different entry points into large businesses.  The students attended various workshops including:

• Branding yourself
• Dispelling myths about different professions, sectors and different entry points for   employment
• Social media footprint – looking at how employers use social media in recruitment.

There were lots of very interesting multi-national companies present including SIEMENS, PWC, Channel 4, RBS, ITV, Carillion, Co-operative Group, KPMG, Manchester United foundation and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

NULC students found the event interesting and inspiring, and gave them lots of ideas for future careers, as well as contacts for work experience.

 

For more information about STEM provision at NULC, email info@nulc.ac.uk or phone 01782 254254.