Press Release

Enterprising opportunity for Manor Community College students at the Babraham Institute

13 July 2005

The Babraham Institute today hosted 50 students from Manor Community College to give them an insight into the world of biomedical science, an opportunity for work experience in a variety of vocational careers and to inspire students to have an enterprising outlook in their lives and careers.

With 'Enterprise' being added to the National Curriculum from autumn 2005, this visit provided students aged 13 to 14 years with an unrivalled opportunity to get hands-on exposure to a range of careers, from catering to computing, science to security services, photography and nursery care.  The students will also take part in a short science project using a simple procedure to extract their own DNA from their cheek cells and preserve it in a glass pendant. Teachers from Sawston Village College, are also participating in the day as part of their professional collaboration with Manor Community College.

Mr Andy Price, Assistant Head Teacher of Manor Community College said, "The visit to the Babraham Institute is a wonderful opportunity for our students to broaden their educational experience and deepen their scientific knowledge. They will be thrilled with the prospect of extracting a sample of their own DNA and wearing it as a pendant. There is also a great opportunity for them to work alongside personnel in almost every area of the Institute which will enhance their life skills".

The Director of the Babraham Institute, Dr Richard Dyer, added, "We are delighted to be involved in a pioneering event such as this and to open our doors to Manor Community College. 'Enterprise Day' has given the students a taste of a variety of vocational career paths that they might not otherwise have considered, as well as a chance to work alongside our scientists. We hope that this opportunity inspires the students as they make decisions about their futures and that it will serve as a foundation for future events with this and other schools in the area".

Jo Smyth, Regional Enterprise Advisor for Cambridgeshire commented, "The day at the Babraham Institute is an exciting and innovative way of allowing students to see the realities of working life. The day is building on Enterprise activities held in school over the past 18 months."