SCIENTISTS PLOT THEIR GREAT ESCAPE

Budding scientists from high schools across Bury were invited to put their problem solving skills to the ultimate test, when they were challenged to break out of the Bury College Escape Room.

For two days only, the college’s Science department transformed their state-of-the-art laboratory into an Escape Room which contained a range of engaging science puzzles and problems. The youngsters used their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths components in order to break free.

Year 9 pupils from Bury Church of England High School, The Derby High School, The Elton High School and St Gabriel’s RC High School were delighted to take part in the Bury College Science Masterclass and have the opportunity to further develop their science knowledge whilst gaining new skills.

Eight pupils from each school were selected to take part and competed against aspiring scientists from another school. St Gabriel’s RC High School were crowned overall winners when they escaped in an impressive one hour and 23 minutes.

St Gabriel’s RC High School pupil Zara Gleave-Smith said, “It feels amazing to be the overall winners! The Escape Room challenge was really good and everyone at Bury College was nice and welcoming. My highlight of the day was building a telescope which helped me to solve a puzzle.”

Martin Attree, Bury College Assistant Curriculum Manager for A Level, Vocational Science and Maths and Team Leader Biology said, “It was great to see the next generation of scientists working together to overcome the challenges we put in front of them. They had to master all elements of the room using their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Seeing these young scientists compete to escape the room faster than rival teams was fantastic to witness. It was great fun for staff to create and equally fun for those attempting to break out. As the majority of teams broke out, it gives us the opportunity to ‘up our game’ for next year and make the room even more difficult.”

Alongside Science A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, Bury College is delighted to be offering two brand new career-enhancing Science courses starting this September – BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation and BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science. For more information or to apply please visit https://studentportal.burycollege.ac.uk/AppForm/ or call 0161 280 8200.