Nuffield Science Bursaries for Schools & Colleges
The Nuffield Bursary scheme is aimed at 5th year school or college students who are interested in the sciences, technology, engineering and/or mathematics. The aim is to allow the students to carry out a 4-6 week research or development project in universities, colleges, industry, research or conservation organisations during the summer vacation. Unlike work experience schemes, students carry out projects that are well-defined from the start, have an outcome that is achievable within the time available and which will make a contribution to the work of the host organisation.
More photographs of students on placement can be viewed here
- "I found the experience of time-keeping and working towards deadlines very valuable. I also felt that working with people has helped me develop my communication and presentation skills and this has helped me to realise that I would enjoy working with people in whatever career I end up in." - Student
- "I found the most valuable part of my experience was learning to use my own initiative and work by myself." - Student
- It is important to engage with secondary school level pupils to give them a taste of experimental science." - Supervisor
- "The main benefit is engagement with young people – better understanding of school leavers and their interests and perceptions. Improves communication and instigates analysis of the value, usefulness and approach of your own work. Engagement with teachers also useful. Good publicity." - Supervisor
- "A brilliant experience for the students. A real taster of life in the lab outside of school and a good idea of what it is like to be in the workplace in a research setting." - Teacher
- "Given the recent developments in developing the Scottish Science Baccalaureate, I think that the scheme is an excellent opportunity for young scientists to gain an academic/industrial experience." - Teacher
More comments and a report on the 2009 scheme in Scotland can be found here.
Students / Teachers
A student studying a science, technology, engineering or mathematics course at school or college may apply for a 4 to 6 week placement by completing a Student Application Form.
Successful students will receive a bursary payment of £80 per week. They will be required to submit a report at the end of their placement and invited to display their work in poster form at a Celebration Event (see below). Information on the scheme can be found in the School's Colour Brochure.
Students have a choice :
- The local coordinator obtains the offer of projects from various organisations and this information is sent out schools. Interested students apply by completing the application form, a copy of which is sent to the relevant supervisor. The supervisor then considers all the applications and selects the student for his/her project. Start/finish dates and hours of work (normally 9-5 each day) are then agreed between the student and supervisor;
- Students can find their own placement but they MUST inform the local coordinator BEFORE any final arrangements are made.
More information can be found in the Guidance notes.
Student Feedback Form/Questionnaire
Please return Application Forms to local coordinator Frances Chapman.
Project Providers
Nuffield students are generally 16/17year old, motivated, enthusiastic young people who would benefit greatly from experiencing life in a scientific and technological environment within business and industry. The students will make a contribution to your organisation and its ongoing projects, giving you some enthusiastic, extra support to help initiate, progress or complete work programmes. You will benefit from the fresh ideas and hard work that the students will bring to your organisation and also from the links that will be generated with local schools and teachers.
Demonstrate your commitment to STEM education, develop skills through mentoring a young student and spread knowledge of your organisation's activities.
More information on the scheme can be found in the provider's colour brochure and guidance notes. If you wish to offer a project, you can do so by completing and returning the Registration Form to the local coordinator, Frances Chapman. The projects will be offered to schools and interested students can apply by completing an application form. These will be forwarded to appropriate supervisors who can then select the student for their project. Once a student has been accepted, and start/finsish dates agreed, a risk assessment will be required to be carried out before the student begins the project.
Guidance notes for New/Potential Providers.
Further Guidance Notes once Student has been Agreed
Reports
There is no specific format or length of scientific report to be submitted. Guidelines on writing reports can be found here and a few examples of previous reports can be viewed below:-
Report 1 - Biology
Report 2 - Ecology
Report 3 - Engineering
Report 4 - Physics/Maths
Celebration Event
A copy of the 2009 Celebration Event Programme can be viewed here