Serious about Science

The UK has a great tradition for producing world class scientists and engineers and still leads the way in scientific research, attracting the best talent from all over the globe. However, there is a distinct lack of home grown talent. Fewer and fewer UK students seem to be excited enough by science to want to pursue it as a career. To reverse this trend, it is vital that we tackle the root of the problem and get our future generation of workers enthused about science at an early age. We need to excite capable young minds at key turning points in the education process. If they are bitten by the 'science bug', there is a higher probability that they will choose science subjects both at A-level and at university.

To that end, the Ironmongers' Company stages a Serious about Science event annually at the beginning of the academic year in September.

Supported by the Royal Institution, the Science Museum and Silverstone, it targets pre-GCSE and final year A-level students with the aim of making the children serious about studying science. Each year's event takes account of feedback received from previous Serious about Science days. The speakers are young, videos relevant and workshops fun.

Prior to the day, the only thing that each school is asked to prepare is a two minute presentation on "Why we think Science is important". This can be delivered by one, two or a team of your pupils. No other preparation is necessary.

The event is free and starts at 09.00 am and finishes by 3.30 pm. Lunch is provided.

Looking towards the future, the Ironmongers' University Scholarship scheme has been running for a number of years now. It assists budding scientists from low income families to gain degrees in science subjects by supporting them with bursaries of up to £5,000 per annum for each year of their degree. We currently sponsor students at many of the leading universities, including Oxford and Imperial College, London.

For more information, please see the attached programme. If you have any queries please contact the Charities Office on 020 7776 2311 or email ruth@ironmongers.org.

Serious about Science - 22nd September 2011

Please visit www.seriousaboutscience.org.uk for details.