STUDENTS have been dazzling mentors with their brilliance in an initiative designed to promote higher education.
Year 7 and 8 students from Haughton Academy, part of the Education Village, Darlington, joined the Brilliant Club, an initiative aimed at encouraging them to consider university life.
Chosen from SATs tests that ranked them among the school’s most able and talented, 13 students worked with a Phd student and teachers Caroline Laren, Laura Bliss and Kate Marsland for seven weeks on projects including microbiology and the immune system.
Their work was assessed and marked as if it was degree standard and one student, Jorja Stewart, obtained a mark that would have been equivalent to a first.
Vocational curriculum lead Mrs Larsen said: “This scheme is designed to raise aspirations and standards of work and encourage children who are able but might not otherwise consider going to university.
“We will track them throughout the remainder of their time with us to ensure they do fulfil their potential.”
Student Gabriel Kaddoura said: “I have enjoyed my experience with Brilliant Club because I have learnt about writing essays in the future, which I know is a key skill to have.”
Classmate Annabelle Foulds added: “I have really enjoyed the Brilliant Club which covered so many interesting things about malaria and science. I would really recommend it.”