Gemma Francis, a Year 12 pupil at Alderley Edge School for Girls, spent time at Loughborough University during the summer holidays where she attended a four day course.
Gemma, a keen scientist, attended the Materials for Energy course organised by independent educational charity The Smallpeice Trust. It was only open to 40 pupils nationwide and offered the 16 and 17 year olds a unique insight into the materials used in energy and power generation through a series of lectures, practical workshops and discussions.
Students participated in several masterclasses which offered them a broad-based view of how energy is produced and stored. They were then challenged in their teams to carry out their own research and complete practical laboratory sessions.
The course culminated in presentations of the teams' findings to an 'expert' panel, with prizes being offered for different criteria. Gemma received the 'Best Leadership' award.
Susan Goff, Headmistress at Alderley Edge School for Girls commented, "We are always delighted when our pupils secure places on such high demand courses, especially ones which are traditionally male dominated. We encourage our girls to succeed and Gemma not only did that in attending the course, but was also awarded the 'Best Leadership' award. I would like to congratulate her for all her hard work."
