A TEACHER is celebrating the appliance of science after collecting a national accolade for her inspirational work.
Lead teacher for physics at Richmond School and Sixth Form College Abbie Hope has been recognised by the British Science Association for her outstanding contribution to enriching students’ experience of science, technology, engineering and maths.
The CREST Award scheme is designed to boost students’ learning and career aspirations in science.
Mrs Hope won high praise for helping 37 students achieve discovery, bronze, silver or gold awards last year in class and outside of school.
Stockton-born and bred, she decided to train as a teacher six years ago at Sunderland University after working in industry, including a publishing house and an industrial safety and equipment specialist.
“I was involved in a lot of training and decided to become a teacher to try and help as many people as possible,” she said. “The CREST programme is great for rewarding students for STEM activities and providing opportunities for experience.”
Year 13 student Mark Wolstenholme, 17, secured a gold award after getting the opportunity to take part in a Nuffield Foundation four-week summer school with York University’s physics department.
“We were able to do research into magnetic materials, which was great,” said the 17-year-old, who is studying A levels in physics, chemistry, maths and further maths.
He hopes to study engineering at university with a view to pursuing a career in robotics or aerospace.
With Mrs Hope’s help Year 13 student Alex Carter was able to join a summer school at Northumbria University that saw her working with Nissan engineers designing and constructing an F1 Challenge race-car.
“We also worked on a research project considering how to develop earthquake-proof buildings for Nepal,” said Alex, who is studying A levels in physics, maths and philosophy and ethics and also wants to read engineering at university.
Mrs Hope added: “It is so important to promote STEM subjects because they can lead to opportunities for our students that are on a global scale. I’m absolutely delighted to receive the commendation which I think will also inspire students to become involved in the scheme.”
