成人天堂

成人天堂’s Department of Chemistry has recently concluded an exciting new outreach initiative, “Elements of Success: Building Confidence in Chemistry”, aimed at Year 12 A-Level students from some of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the North West.

Supported by a ?5,000 grant from the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Chemist’s Community Fund, this pioneering project was designed to raise aspirations, boost confidence, and showcase the value of studying chemistry at higher education level.

The project was inspired by findings from the Royal Society of Chemistry’s “Chemistry for All” report, which highlighted the key barriers to participation in Post-16 chemistry education, particularly among disadvantaged students. These include the perception that chemistry is difficult, a lack of relatable role models in the field, and limited awareness of chemistry-related career pathways. Currently, there are no other chemistry-specific widening participation projects offered by universities in the North West.

The project involved 40 students from Carmel College, Cardinal Newman College, Winstanley College, Blackburn College and Rochdale Sixth Form and included a series of engaging campus visits. These featured lab sessions where students conducted an investigation, VR simulations, employability workshops, and the creation of student-led research posters. Victrex, a long-standing supporter of STEM learning in disadvantaged communities, played a key role in delivering lab sessions and employability workshops, helping students understand the real-world applications of chemistry and the range of future opportunities it can unlock.

Whilst students were the primary focus, the project also aimed to benefit their teachers. Alongside their students, teachers were invited to participate in lab sessions and received up-to-date information on chemistry careers and sustainability. This served as a form of professional development, enhancing their teaching practices and strengthening their connection with 成人天堂. On the 2^nd July, students who took part in the project celebrated their work with an event where each student presented their poster to the Chemistry Department, and prizes were given out to students for their posters.

Georgia Spencer, Chemistry’s Recruitment and Conversion Coordinated who created the programme and has led the delivery throughout said: "I am really proud of this project. The students who have taken part have worked really hard and produced some excellent posters which really showcase the breadth of activities they have completed on the programme. I created “Elements of Success” to show students from disadvantaged backgrounds that chemistry is for anyone with curiosity and ambition. By giving them hands-on lab experiences, real role models, and a glimpse into future careers, we hope to build their confidence and help them see that chemistry can be part of their story too."

Chemistry’s Director for Engagement Dr Maria Paz Munoz-Herranz commented: “It has been a pleasure working with Georgia and the Chemistry Department in this fantastic project, inspiring young students from disadvantage backgrounds to study chemistry and opening their eyes to the importance of chemistry in the world and the opportunities that a career in chemistry can bring to them. "

Dr Nick Evans, Head of Department added: “I am delighted by the enthusiasm of all who took part in “Elements of Success”, and I am confident the project will have a positive impact on participants’ futures in the years ahead. We are committed to making this an annual programme, and we look forward to hosting the next cohort of Year 12 students in mid-2026.”