Outreach
Science & Mathematics are central to our modern society and the School recognises the important role that we play in educating not only our students but also the wider public in physics, astronomy and mathematics.
We have made it a central part of our mission to reach out to the wider community and engage their curiosity in science & mathematics. We run a number of science & mathematics outreach programmes for the general public and in local schools. More details on our outreach programmes are given below but if you have any specific questions or you wish to enquire how we could visit your school, college or society then please contact us.
Mathematics masterclasses
The annual Hertfordshire Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses are our longest-running event: we are now in our 14th year! We run an annual masterclass each summer for upwards of 120 mathematically able year nine pupils, where they take part in a challenging programme of mathematical activities. Annual visits to the Royal Institution are also organised, along with follow-up sessions for year 10 and 11 pupils.
Institute of Physics lectures
The School coordinates and hosts the Hertfordshire Area Institute of Physics Lecture series. These lectures are aimed at the general audience and have been extremely successful and well-attended events. We have attracted speakers such as Simon Singh, the author of The Code Book, and Kevin Warwick, Professor of Cybernetics at the University of Reading.
View the current programme of lectures for the Institute of Physics (10 Mb pdf file)
The programme can also be found on the Institute of Physics (IoP) website.
Mathematics school programmes
The Mathematics group in the School has close links with a number of local schools and the Local Education Authority. We engage in activities ranging from short exam revision sessions, primary and secondary school outreach talks and all-day activities. We have joined together with the LEA team to develop a regional support programme for Further Mathematics.
Observatory
Our Observatory at Bayfordbury is the hub of the School's Astronomy outreach programme. The observatory plays host to weekly evening visits from small groups, clubs and school parties. We also organise two major public Open nights at the Observatory each year where visitors can see the telescopes in action, visit our planetarium and talk to staff & students. For further information please contact Professor Hugh Jones.
Physics and astrophysics schools programmes
The Physics and Astrophysics Groups run an exciting programme of schools talks for both primary and secondary pupils with topics ranging from quantum physics to black holes. Researchers from the School have also given talks at a number of local astronomical societies and the European Astrofest.
More about Physics and Astrphysics talks
Loan equipment for schools
The School maintains a collection of astronomical equipment for loan to schools, which originally arose from a PPARC funded project - Stars for Schools. Astrophysics research students visit schools to demonstrate the use of the equipment and to talk about their experiences in research and at university. For further details about this scheme please contact Professor Hugh Jones.
East of England Science Learning Centre
In Autumn 2004 the East of England Science Learning Centre (SLC) opened at the University's Bayfordbury site. The Centre's role is to develop and encourage science education in the region by providing science courses to widen the skills of teachers and science technicians. The School has close links with the SLC and is deeply involved in producing specific courses on cutting edge science research and its relevance to classroom science.
Nuffield Science bursaries
The School hosts a number of Nuffield Science Bursary students each summer. Nuffield Science Bursaries offer the chance for post-16 science students to gain first-hand experience of scientific research by working alonside a practising scientist over the summer. Past students have exhibited their projects at the Royal Society and in international exhibitions. If you are interested in applying for a Nuffield Bursary then please contact us for more details.