16 minute read
Education
Expert Focus
Dr Christopher Aris is a Lecturer in Bioscience on the Forensic Science BSc course at Wrexham Glyndŵr University. Here he gives us some insight into this fascinating course…
How did you get into Forensic Science?
Growing up I was fascinated with science, but I was not your typical A* student and being dyslexic I wasn’t suited to the traditional style of exam-board examinations. I did alright in my GCSEs and A-levels, but it meant that when I wanted to approach science at a university level I needed to be more tactical, so I decided to study biological anthropology for my undergraduate degree. It’s basically the study of human biology but also brings in elements of history and environmental studies which fit well with my passion
for science and style of learning. One of the modules that really sparked my interest was human osteology which is the study of skeletons and bone. I decided to pursue it at a postgraduate level and through completing my master’s in human osteology, I was exposed to the world of forensic anthropology. I started developing my skills to start profiling
skeletons and identifying human vs non-human bones when I realised I could apply it to forensics. I went on to complete my PhD, became a certified Forensic Anthropologist and now
teach on the Forensic Science BSc at Glyndŵr, specialising in
forensic skeletal analysis. applicants to show us who they are as a person and tell us what they’ve done outside of education that is relevant.
What type of work are you involved with outside of the programme?
I am trustee for the British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology which is the overarching governing body for those topics. My work with them is mainly focused on ensuring the use of human remains in both teaching and research is done ethically across the UK. I always try to get students involved in my outside work depending on the context of it. When I’m working with archaeology units and there’s an opportunity to, I will have students assist me doing post excavation work on the skeletal remains, showing them how to clean the bones, profile them and report on their
findings. Although it’s not forensic, there is so much crossover
between archaeological and forensic remains. We also do a lot of work with Poulton Research Project which is a local archaeological research facility where our students have the opportunity to go and work with them on excavations to learn how to unearth and analyse remains.
What opportunities are open to students after they graduate?
Our students don’t just graduate with a degree, because of the practical elements of the course they graduate not only being able to say that they have a BSc in Forensic Science but that they have been trained in osteological analysis, dissection, crime scene investigation, botany and so much more. Whey they go for forensic science jobs they can look at specialisations across the spectrum and they will have the practical skills to support them. Our students can also look at potentially climbing the academic ladder as we offer an MRes in Forensic Anthropology and Bioarcheology which is the next step into my specialisation.
What does Wrexham Glyndŵr University have to offer?
Our accessibly. We’re a university that responds to what’s going on in the wider world and adapts it to our student’s needs. Over the last two years throughout the pandemic we’ve adapted to a blended learning approach and developed it as
What can students expect from your course?
The course has a real emphasis on practical application, so instead of sitting at their computers writing essays all day, our students are far more likely to be out in the field or in
the lab. We offer a foundation year for the course, so that’s when we do a lot more of the theory work and build up the students understanding. The foundation and first year are
heavily focused on guaranteeing our students have that core understanding and are on the same level with their theoretical knowledge so they can move onto the practical elements. We then have them in the lab studying human remains, putting that theoretical understanding to use and spending hours and hours handling the bone. We have our students out on campus dragging mock bodies around to bring back to the lab to analyse the leaves that it has picked up, how they can be identified and figuring out how the body has been moved.
How can students get a place on the programme?
We have our basic entry requirements which you can find
on our website, but we’re really looking for some exposure to science from our applicants. It doesn’t have to be too in depth, but it needs to be at Level 3 or the equivalent. We’re especially
looking to see applicants who can show more of themselves than just their grades. We’re a small, specialised team and we get to know our students by name, what their interests are and where their specialities are potentially going to lie. We want we’ve seen students benefitting from it. It allows students from
different background and situations to have some flexibility
with their timetable and only come in one to two days a week and focus on their practical work and then complete the theory work at their own pace. They’re not losing out on of the practical experience but it makes it easier for them to complete their modules around their personal responsibilities. n
Learning by heart
“Maximise your potential” – this is always the number one goal for our pupils at Rydal Penrhos, and we do everything we can to achieve it.
This is an important time of year for pupils up and down the country embarking on GCSE and A Level examinations. After
two years of no such experiences for those in Years 11 and 13 due to COVID-19 restrictions, next spring’s candidates are
going through a much more normal scenario when it comes to learning, revision and additional preparation ahead of their big moment.
As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that each child or young person progressed through these challenging times. Rydal Penrhos’ outstanding examination results in recent years are a strong reflection of a pupil-centred approach that focuses
on the individual and assists in reaching their respective goals.
Not only this, but incredible value-added scores further represents our exam candidates often far exceeding the marks expected on a consistent basis.
Although it’s now a return to normal for our upcoming exam hopefuls, the ethos remains the same. Our exceptional teaching staff are constantly searching for ways to assist our learners in whatever way they can. Especially during such an important stage where results can dictate university destinations or opportunities in the working world. to come before they officially receive their results next
summer. As the old saying goes: “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
At Rydal Penrhos, no stone is left unturned when it comes to learning, planning, monitoring and goal setting. Our comprehensive provision also assists our Sixth Form community with university preparation to ensure the entire process does not become too daunting and impacts their studies in any detrimental fashion.
This year’s exam candidates nationwide are fortunate to a certain extent in that they can decide their own fate. This also comes with a heightened sense of reward for all their hard work and dedication.
Being prepared and making the most out of every possible tool available goes a long way to enhancing exam performance. And, make no mistake, our staff will always be on hand every step of the way. n
Those sitting exams in 2022 and 2023 got a substantial boost
in their revision preparations after staff organised special Study Skills presentations with Maximise Your Potential, who are industry-leaders in providing high-impact study skills for examinations and life in general.
The focus of the presentations was to get the pupils to really understand the benefits of good study practice and
to take ownership of their learning. As well as equipping
them with a range of evidence-based study skills which will deliver measurable results, Maximise Your Potential also encouraged resilience, a readiness to learn from failure, and a ‘can-do’ attitude during what proved to be a hugely informative session for all involved.
These presentations come just a few short weeks before mock examinations, which are an opportunity for pupils to sample an exam situation and gain exam-condition experience before the real thing.
This is yet another dimension to the school’s comprehensive approach with our pupils’ progress in mind. One that will hopefully stand them in good stead in the weeks and months
John Waszek
is the Principal of Rydal Penrhos
EDUCATION NEWS
The benefit of pastoral care
Every school will claim that they have exceptional pastoral care, but how can you be sure? St David’s College has, since it’s inception in 1965, placed enormous value in
focusing on the individual and supporting them to realise the potential of their own gifts.
Communication is vital
Two-way communication between staff and pupils is key. Pupils must feel comfortable enough to speak up about anything that is concerning them. Staff strive to get to know pupils as well as possible and make themselves available. An open dialogue between pupils and staff is hugely important. Feedback from pupils about their thoughts on the Pastoral Care provision is equally critical.
They are the ones who are experiencing the care, their thoughts and feelings are crucial to making sure the support is exactly what is needed.
Community
Genuinely exceptional pastoral care is constant, it permeates throughout the child’s educational experience. It can be in the classroom, part of extra-curricular activities, on outdoor education expeditions, or during preparations for the school production. Continued support and guidance prepares children for the world.
Pastoral Care in the Digital Age
Understanding each pupil’s situation is important. Not all pupils will have access to the same level of resources they have in school.
Taking time to do fun things helps to engage pupils by breaking up the monotony of working at a screen. Encourage children to be active away from their screens, take part in Challenges, and post the results back to school community.
When every child feels safe in the knowledge that they are a valued member of the community, that is where their true gifts can be found, nurtured, and given the freedom to flourish.
Rydal Penrhos remembers them
Rydal Penrhos has always been extremely proud of its community involvement. Whether it be helping with initiatives, raising funds for worthy causes, or having a strong presence across the Colwyn Bay region, the school has been a significant part of the area for more than
140 years and something that’s become a key part of our ethos. This
was once again evident at the annual Remembrance Sunday service held by the War Memorial in Queen’s Gardens, which is just a stone’s throw from the school site. There were a host of respected dignitaries at the service – including councillors and the Mayor of Colwyn Bay. Rydal Penrhos’ Deputy Principal Lucy Davies also attended the
Remembrance Service in addition to other staff members. Pete Williams, the school’s Director of Music, organised some of the Year 7-13 Choir to sign during the poignant service as well as playing all the hymns and the National Anthems for those in attendance to sing along to at the parade. Sixty-three former pupils lost their lives during World War One, with a further 43 killed in the Second World War. Miss Constance Smith, who was Principal of Penrhos College from 1938-1966, undertook
the considerable task of evacuating the school to Chatsworth in 1939
EDUCATION NEWS
Have you applied to college yet?
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s three colleges – Coleg Llandrillo,
Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and Coleg Menai – are now accepting applications for the new term in September 2022. The Grŵp’s
three colleges have hundreds of courses, from BTECs, to A Levels, and apprenticeships to degrees, to suit every need
and to help you fulfil your potential. Perhaps you are in Year
11 and currently contemplating what to do when you finish
your GCSEs? Or you are rethinking your plans to go away to university, and thinking of studying for your degree a little bit closer to home? Or maybe you discovered a new passion or interest during the lockdown and want to study the subject you love? In 2020/21, despite the pandemic, students across
the Grŵp’s ten campuses achieved remarkable personal goals
and successes. J A Level student Sohaib Hassan gained an A* in History
after studying for the full A-level in only 12 months, enabling him to accept an unconditional offer for Oxford University J Media degree student Lucy Sharpe, was “in dreamland”
after she was chosen to work on UK television’s biggest show of the year: ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’! J Student Ambassador Tirion Thomas, who had just completed her Health and Social Care Level 3 studies at the
Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Dolgellau campus, was announced the winner of the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year’s ‘Unsung Hero’ award
In a recent Student Survey, learners across Grŵp Llandrillo
Menai gave the college group a big ‘thumbs-up’, with the vast majority of students stating that they appreciated the flexibility and support shown by their tutors. The statistics
from the survey mirror the excellent feedback provided by the learners.
Wrexham Glyndŵr University launches Nutrition and Dietetics course
Do you have an interest in nutrition, diet and their effect on overall health? If so, Wrexham Glyndŵr University is the
place to learn more with the launch of a brand new course. For the first time, you can study for a BSC (Hons) Nutrition
and Dietetics Degree in North Wales. It will offer the chance to work closely with local partners within health, social care and industry to offer student dietitians an inclusive, supportive and enjoyable university experience that is unique to the North Wales area. Graduates are eligible for full membership of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and associated specialist groups. The University has strong links with local healthcare and industry partners and the course has been developed to ensure that it provides you with the qualities, skills and knowledge that matter most.
The degree confers eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a Dietitian in the UK, and graduates are also eligible to become full members of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and associated specialist groups upon successful completion. Course leader Vicky Davies is an experienced clinical dietitian who has worked in a range of specialities, including gastroenterology, oncology, respiratory medicine, intensive care and neuroscience. Until recently, she was the Clinical and Professional Lead for Nutrition and Dietetics at the Walton Centre in Liverpool, where
she developed a wealth of experience leading the development and delivery of nutrition and dietetic services within the NHS. “Roles can vary from working with people in the health and social care sector right through to dietitians who work in industry,” she said. “There are dietitians working for big corporations, in charge of monitoring the nutrition content of recipes, meals, foods and beverages. Leading
manufacturers within the food supply chain will often have a dietitian or nutritionist attached. The key difference between dietitians and nutritionists is that we are registered with and regulated by the HCPC to practice clinical work, whereas nutritionists do not receive the same clinical training and registration to work within the health and social care sector. The HEIW funded course focuses more on that clinical element which makes the Dietetics course stand out from other nutrition courses. We also provide our graduates with unique opportunities
and support to start their careers within the National Health Service in Wales upon successful completion of the course.”
Behind the scenes
Excitement is building across the whole of Rydal Penrhos ahead of the triumphant return of the school’s annual Dramatic Society production.
With COVID-19 restrictions preventing any such occasion
taking place last year, pupils and staff are now busy in rehearsals and creating the set for Matilda the Musical Jr., which is sure to be yet another fantastic spectacle for the school and wider community to enjoy.
Matilda the Musical Jr. is a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 children’s novel by Dennis Kelly. The play centres on the
titular five-year-old character as she navigates her hostile
school and family life with the help of a kind-hearted teacher, some supernatural abilities and a love of reading.
This promises to be an exceptional display of talent, dedication and enthusiasm by gifted Rydal Penrhos thespians. The budding actors, stage hands, set designers and music and lighting technicians are fortunate to have a large drama studio for rehearsals and performances, along with the spectacular Memorial Hall where concerts and productions are held. Each and every day of their school life the pupils benefit
from exceptional facilities which enhance their dramatic performances and creative natures and quite a few famous
names in the acting and producing world emanate from the corridors of the school.
But not everyone realises that the school is also happy to draw back the proverbial curtains on these facilities and let the wider community hire them for their own theatrical or choral or musical pursuits.
The Memorial Hall is a traditional Proscenium theatre with a large stage, the ability to fly scenery and a suite of dressing
rooms. The auditorium seats just under 400 when using both
the hall and balcony setting.
There is direct street access and a small lobby area where you are able to serve internal refreshments. Equipped with
a state-of-the-art lighting desk and sound system, this is a wonderful venue to showcase a performance or for choral and orchestral recitals. Not only this, but Rydal Penrhos also has a plethora of wonderful outdoor venues perfect for a summer concert or any type of performance. Their facilities are already utilised by a large number of groups and organisations from a variety of different fields – the school is proud to be the home of the
Pauline Quirke Performing Arts Academy, which runs weekly classes for children aged four to 18.
Led by a fantastic team of teachers with specialist industry
experience and knowledge, their students learn and develop skills in Comedy and Drama (acting), Musical Theatre (singing and dancing), in addition to Film and Television which culminates in a yearly production on the West End Stage.
The group has benefitted significantly from the facilities that
Rydal Penrhos has to offer. So much so, the Academy made the school its new Conwy base.
Not only does this apply to dramatic performances, but the school hosts a number of concerts within the Memorial Hall or the incredible St John’s Church during the year. The school’s Community Choir recently started up again and although only available to Rydal Penrhos staff members currently, they are looking to offer this to anyone interested once COVID-19 cases
subside.
Communities are a powerful force for change, and placing choirs at the heart of local communities it has the potential to do good for society.
As Rydal Penrhos’ pupils get set for their big moment on stage, the school is always willing to go above and beyond for those in the wider community that still want to take advantage of the first-class facilities that benefit their young learners
each and every day. n
