4 July 2007 - Food Biosciences Summer school for sixth formers
The 21st annual summer school for sixth formers has just been completed. The course was held over 3 days (from July 2nd-4th) in the Department of Food Biosciences. Fifty two students, studying A level sciences, from schools and colleges in all parts of the country were sponsored by food manufacturing and retailing companies to attend.
They were accommodated in Wantage Hall and carried out practical and project work, attended topical lectures on "hot topics" in the food industry and took part in the Marks and Spencer/Northern Foods business game. There was also a careers session, which highlighted the wealth of opportunities available to food science and technology graduates in the food industry. Teachers were invited to attend the second day of the course (sponsored by the Institute of Food Science and Technology) where they could take part in practical exercises and attend lectures.
The aims of the two courses are to demonstrate that food science and technology are serious disciplines involving good scientific ability. Students capable of achieving science A levels should consider a career in the food industry – preferably after studying in the Department of Food Biosciences in Reading!
Feedback questionnaires showed that the course was much enjoyed by all, and two thirds of respondents indicated that they were likely to apply for degree programmes in Food Biosciences, which should contribute significantly to student recruitment for 2008 and beyond.
The courses were organised by Alistair Grandison, Glynis Jodrell, Anne-Marie Minihane, Richard Frazier and Vina Gillham, and involved staff, students and former students of the Department of Food Biosciences plus other representatives of the food industry.