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This week has been packed with inspiring opportunities! From insightful work experience to students receiving Industrial Cadets Silver Awards, our learners have been gaining real-world insights in exciting ways. We also launched our trust-wide scanning electron microscope sessions with pupils from Roscoe and New Park Primary School, enjoying hands-on science and incredible close-up views of the natural world.
As exam season begins, we know this can be a stressful time for students. Encouraging regular breaks, plenty of sleep, healthy meals, and open conversations about how they’re feeling can make a big difference. Let’s continue to support one another through this busy period.
Read on for all the details.
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Studio School student work experience placement
On the 30th of April, Morgan, a Year 13 student, attended a day's work experience at IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) Youth Panel Showcase in Leeds. The goals of the placement were to learn first-hand how the workplace functions, how people take responsibility for getting tasks done, to learn about the specific education and training routes taken by people at the employer, and to ask the employer lead for a challenging independent project, then present it at the end of the placement.
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Morgan is part of the IOPC Youth Panel, which works to improve young people's trust in policing and the police complaints system. This is through their annual survey (England and Wales), youth engagement workshops, youth-led police training, and their national influencing work, where they aim to make the Youth Panel's recommendations a reality.
Anya, Employer Lead at IOPC Youth Panel, expressed that "Morgan has been taking part in all this work, including regular online meetings, since July and he is a real asset to the panel."
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We asked Morgan what duties he did whilst on placement, he shared, "I ran a table discussion about introducing an advocacy system for young people when it comes to filing a complaint about unsatisfactory policing and was able to keep such a discussion professional and forward-thinking."
Regarding what Morgan learnt, he expressed, "I learnt how to communicate and engage with individuals from professional sectors and how to present a topic I am passionate about, whilst being able to rely on and work in a team."
In terms of what he enjoyed the most, Morgan shared, "I enjoyed building my confidence by presenting and doing it with like-minded young people who also care about reform and making things better. I enjoyed meeting people from services that focused on youth engagement and a youth presence, as it made my messages and passion feel more valued."
We asked Morgan how it has prepared him for the jobs of tomorrow. Morgan said "It has prepared me for the jobs of tomorrow because I have learnt how presenting can be an important skill and a major way to showcase ideas, no matter what field or industry you pursue, as it is a means of making your message public. It has allowed me to work in a group and develop my team-building skills, which is an important quality to hold in all sectors."
If you would like to find out more about IOPC then please click here.
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CanSat Competition: Industrial Cadets Silver Award
This week, five of our Studio students, Riham, Abdullah, Lewis, Jamie and Prosper, were awarded an Industrial Cadets Silver Award by the Engineering Development Trust. Mr. Bearon kindly awarded our students their certificates and digital badges.
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Their certificates demonstrate their fantastic achievement and can be shown to educators and potential employers, providing them with a significant competitive advantage in securing the career of their choice. This certificate is a representation of the knowledge and employability skills they have gained through the Industrial Cadets skills and competency framework.
Industrial Cadets are valued and nationally recognised, and will help prospective educators and employers see that they have engaged in quality industry-led experiences.
Huge congratulations to our students on this amazing achievement! What a fantastic success!
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Roscoe and New Park Primary School Scanning Electron Microscope Session
Wednesday saw the launch of our trust-wide scanning electron microscope sessions. The microscope is provided as a loan scheme supported by Hitachi, The Natural History Museum and The Royal Microscopical Society.
30 pupils from Roscoe Primary School and 30 from New Park Primary School enjoyed a session using the scanning electron microscope, learning to move samples, focus and adjust brightness, and how to capture their images. They also used Liverpool Life Sciences UTC's own dissecting microscopes.
They observed specimens such as flies, butterflies, crystals and fossils, noticing how the SEM has much higher magnification and resolution than the light microscopes. The children had a lovely time, and I’m sure they will remember these amazing images for a long time!
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Scanning Electron Microscope at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
This week, we welcomed Roscoe Primary School to our state-of-the-art facilities. A student in Year 4 brought with them a sample of cat fur from home, check out the spikes and stripes below.
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Isla from Ignite looked closer at a drosophila using the high magnification and resolution of the electron microscope. A drosophila is one of the fruit flies which buzz around the fruit bowl in summer and has interesting genetics.
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Click here to find out more about this career pathway.
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Sickness procedure
From a safeguarding perspective, students who indicate they are feeling unwell will not be sent out of class as an unwell/injured student unaided may faint on the stairs or corridor. Staff will call first aid and first aid will go to the student. Students are not to contact home themselves when they are unwell, staff will call parents if needed.
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Leave us a Google Review
We strive to provide the best experience for our students. Your feedback helps us improve and continue delivering quality education and care. If you’ve had a good experience with us, we’d love to hear from you.
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Leaving a review on Google helps others learn more about our schools and gives us valuable insight.
Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
The Studio School
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Exam season for future Doctors and Dentists: Free Virtual Get into Medicine and Dentistry Conference
A common trap that many aspiring medical and dental students fall into this time of year is that they neglect the rest of their UCAS applications while they study for their exams. Unfortunately, while UCAS is still in the back of their mind, the stress of the whole process impacts their revision.
Upcoming free sessions: Limited spaces available
- Get Into Medicine Conference is on Sunday, 11th of May, 9.30-3.30 pm - Click here to register.
- Get Into Dentistry Conference is on Saturday, 17th of May, 9.30-3.30 pm - Click here to register.
The free conferences will provide full clarity on UCAS and the medical and dental application process, so that students can concentrate on their exams. It is always better for students to invest half a day in fully understanding what they need to get into medical or dental school, rather than days in unknown uncertainty.
Agenda:
- UCAT Entrance Exam
- Exam techniques and sample questions from each UCAT section
- UCAT shortcuts and timeline
- Tactically choosing universities
- Personal statements
- Medical & Dental school interview skills
- Medical Leadership Programmes
- Awards Programmes
- Extracurricular activities
- Work experience
- Applying for scholarships
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Insight into University Residential
Insight into University Residential Experience (previously known as Headstart) are summer schools run over four or five days where students get a taster of university life and an insight into a specific STEM subject. Students will get the opportunity to experience university-style lectures and work on activities and group projects with the support of academics and student mentors.
Students will stay in halls of residence and will take part in social activities in the evenings. These courses are for Year 12 students and are a great way to try out a STEM subject at university before applying.
Residential courses running in summer 2025
- Maths at Lancaster
- Mechanical Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire
- Materials Science at Oxford
- Aerospace Engineering at Liverpool
- Ocean & Earth Science at Southampton
- Chemical Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire
- Engineering & Physical Sciences at the University of Lincoln
Non-residential courses running in summer 2025
- Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies at Aston University
These summer schools are run for small groups and so places are limited. Find out more and apply here.
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Ten tips for standing out on LinkedIn
LinkedIn, is a vital tool for professionals, job seekers, and career changers. It’s ideal for students who are just getting started.
1. Use a respectable email address
Tip: Gmail and Outlook are widely viewed as acceptable and respectable email providers.
2. Don't leave your profile half-done
Tip: Work relevant keywords into your narrative. Using appropriate words and phrases can highlight your knowledge of a particular sector.
3. A powerful headline
Tip: Many people use a vertical bar to divide their writing into sections | It signals the start of a new statement | See what we mean?
4. Don't be shy
Tip: It's recommend selecting at least ten skills to help you appear in searches.
5. Make meaningful connections
Tip: Include a personal note when you request to link in to stand out.
6. Leverage LinkedIn for self-development
Tip: Many professionals are happy to offer guidance on working in a particular industry or role; don’t be scared to ask and show you are taking the initiative.
7. Signs of life
Tip: If you are actively seeking a job or new clients, being active on LinkedIn should form part of your daily routine.
8. Looking for work
Tip: If you choose to share with all members, your profile picture will show a green #OpenToWork frame.
9. Create original content
Tip: Weigh the risk beforehand, but being controversial can help your post go viral. Whatever you choose to do, always be authentic and take care not to offend others.
10. Work the algorithm
Tip: The LinkedIn algorithm will reward you for regularly updating your profile.
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Mental Health Support
Make an online referral to Liverpool's Children & Young People's Mental Health Support. Children and young people, parents and carers in crisis can access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, freephone 0808 196 3550. Visit the emergency advice page for more information.
Training for parents/carers & professionals working with children & young people
Merseyside Youth Association’s mental health promotion team (RAISE Team) deliver a range of FREE bite-size courses covering a range of mental health issues that impact children, young people and their families. Bite-size sessions coming up in May, delivered via Zoom.
- The Importance of Sleep - 13th of May, 12-1 pm - Book here.
- Understanding and supporting crisis and risk in schools - 14th of May, 10-11.30 am - Book here.
- Child+Adolescent to Parent Violence+Abuse Session (CAPVA) 19th of May, 11 am-1 pm - Book here.
- Adolescent Brain Development - 21st of May, 9.30-10.30 am - Book here.
- Cultivating Self-Compassion - 21st of May 11-12.15 am - Book here.
- An Introduction to Eating Disorders - 21st of May, 4-5 pm - Book here.
- Body Image - 22nd of May, 9-10 am - Book here.
- Mental Health Support for Children and Young People in Liverpool - 22nd of May, 2.30-4 pm - Book here.
- Introduction to Self-Harm - 30th of May, 10-11 am -Book here.
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University of Law Online Session
Find out more about university life at the University of Law.
Join their online session to hear from current undergraduates about balancing studies, making friends, managing part-time work, finding work experience, and getting involved on campus.
Tuesday, 10th of June, 5-5.45 pm - Click here to register.
Ask your questions, pick up practical tips, and feel confident about your next steps.
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Career Magazine for Parents. Carers and Guardians
Packed with expert advice and insightful features designed to help parents guide their children through key education and career decisions, whether they're considering A-levels, Apprenticeships, or other next steps. Careers are not a linear path, and you cannot know what you don't know. Career map, aim to inspire and inform about all sorts of careers and opportunities now and in the future!
Click here to read the latest edition.
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Apprenticeships for individuals with additional needs
Many students have additional needs and may feel unsure about the support that will be offered by employers and training providers. Join to hear about the flexibilities that can be offered and the support that apprentices will receive.
When? Monday, 19th of May, 3.30-4 pm - Click here to register.
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Financial Futures: A Workshop for Students
Join InnovateHer for a free, 40-minute interactive workshop with MONY (previously Money Super Market) - designed to empower students with essential financial knowledge and skills.
When? Wednesday, 11th of June, at 9.15 am - Click here to register.
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Games Design Bootcamps
Are you a student preparing for a career as a game designer, or a career-changer looking to make the jump into making games? Games Design Skill's intensive courses can help you build your career-ready design skills.
GDS is an educational hub that gives you direct access to veteran game designers and developers via their Game Design Bootcamps, focusing on mechanics, game writing, and level design.
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The programs are taught by industry experts (people who’ve worked for years at Blizzard, Riot, Ubisoft, and more) and are all about hands-on learning. Enrolment is open now until the 14th of June, and courses kick off on the 21st of June.
- Mechanics Bootcamp with Alexander Brazie
Master the art of game mechanics design. Learn to craft deep, scalable gameplay systems and communicate them clearly to teams (and in interviews). This one is made for aspiring systems designers or anyone who loves tinkering with game balance and rules.
- Game Writing Bootcamp with Kelly Bender
Dive into narrative design. You’ll create an industry-quality game writing project (think characters, dialogue, world-building) across 8+ deliverables, then polish it into a standout portfolio piece. Kelly's course is ideal if you want to be a narrative designer or game writer.
- Level Design & Blockout Bootcamp with Nathan Kellman
Build a playable 3D level from scratch. Using Unreal Engine 5, you’ll block out an action-adventure level through multiple iterations and playtests, honing layout, pacing, and gameplay flow. By the end, you’ll have a pro-grade level design to show off in your portfolio.
Each bootcamp runs for 12 weeks with live online sessions (you can attend from anywhere) and mentorship from seasoned designers. You’ll be joining a cohort on Discord, getting feedback from guest instructors, and completing projects that mirror real studio work.
On top of that, the courses are built by people who’ve designed or written for huge games (Assassin’s Creed, League of Legends, Diablo IV, and others), so they know what hiring managers want to see. They'll help you show your best self in your application materials .
Secure your spot on a GDS Bootcamp now - Click here to sign up.
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Uniform and equipment reminder
I would like to remind parents of the uniform standards with regard to girl’s trousers. A small number of students are wearing fashion trousers, made of Lycra material and flared leggings in style. The expectation is for students to wear school trousers or a pleated skirt.
All students are required to have a school bag with them every day. This must be large enough to carry a number of A4 revision guides. We will provide your child with a suitable bag if they are unable to obtain one.
Jill Davies, Principal at Life Sciences and The Studio School.
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The University of Sheffield Online Subject Taster Days
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Tuesday, 13th of May, 5-6 pm - Click here to register.
Materials Science and Engineering
Wednesday, 14th of May, 5-6 pm - Click here to register.
ACSE (Mechatronics, Robotics & Computer Systems Engineering)
Wednesday, 14th of May, 5-6 pm - Click here to register.
Chemical Engineering
Thursday, 15th May, 5-6 pm - Click here to register.
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Tuesday, 20th of May, 5-6.30 pm - Click here to register.
Computer Science
Wednesday, 21st of May, 12-1 pm - Click here to register.
Biomedical Engineering
Wednesday, 21st of May, 5- 6 pm - Click here to register.
Pharmacy
Wednesday, 7th of May, 4-5.15 pm - Click here to register.
Applied Social Sciences / Journalism / Education
Wednesday, 14th of May, 5-6.15 pm - Click here to register.
Landscape Architecture / Urban Studies and Planning / Geography
Wednesday, 21st of May, 5-6.15 pm - Click here to register.
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Upcoming work experience events
- Manchester: Arm, Technology, Work Experience Day
This event is for students aged 16-21 interested in a career in Tech. Arm have various opportunities in Engineering (software, hardware) as well as Electronics. But if you also have a general curiosity about Arm, they also have people who work in Marketing, Business and other non-technical areas. Applicants are welcome no matter what subject you're studying!
Wednesday, 4th of June, 10 am - 3 pm - Click here to find out more.
- Manchester: Government Cyber Work Experience Day
This event is for Year 12 and 13 students interested in a career in STEM.
This event will provide insights into the breadth of roles and Early Careers programmes available with Government Intelligence Agencies, e.g. Cyber, Engineering, Analyst, Linguist, as well as business functions, e.g. HR, finance, etc.
Thursday, 19th of June, 10 am - 3 pm - Click here to find out more.
- Unifrog Virtual Work Experience Week
Unifrog's virtual work experience week is back! For students who missed out on in-person placements, or those who wish to further build their employability skills, it's a great way to connect with some top employers.
Each day will be a combination of live webinars and time for students to complete a real workplace task through their Courses tool. Students can choose to sign up for just one day, a few days, or the whole week!
Monday, 30th of June–Friday, 4th of July - Click here to find out more.
- National: Arm, Technology Work Virtual Work Experience Event
This event is for students aged 16-21 interested in a career in Tech. Arm have various opportunities in Engineering (software, hardware) as well as Electronics. But if you also have a general curiosity in Arm, they also have people who work in Marketing, Business and other non-technical areas. Applicants are welcome no matter what subject you're studying!
Tuesday, 1st of July at 10 am -1 pm - Click here to find out more.
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Word of the Week - Quintessential
Definition - Representing a perfect or typical example of something.
From Latin: quintus "fifth" + essentia "being, essence."
Usage - "He was the quintessential tough guy, strong, silent, and self-contained"
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Vaping – We would like to remind you that we do not allow students to bring items such as cigarettes, lighters, matches or e-cigarettes/ vapes into school.
Zero Tolerance of Abuse - The NST has a zero-tolerance approach to abusive language, violence, aggression or harassment towards employees, governors and volunteers.
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