Urmston Grammar pupils become science entrepreneurs

Pupils at Urmston Grammar School have been putting their scientific and entrepreneurial skills to the test in an Apprentice-style project run in conjunction with scientists from biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca.

Over a four week period the year eight pupils went into the lab to have a go at creating an antacid tablet to combat indigestion. They were then challenged to cost the product and describe how they would market it for sale. The pupils then pitched their product to a panel of judges including teachers from the school and Emma McMurtry, a senior medical scientist at AstraZeneca who led the project on behalf of the company.

Riffat Wall, deputy head teacher and head of science at Urmston Grammar School, said: “The workshops run by AstraZeneca have given pupils the opportunity to look at science beyond the classroom and learn how it applies to the business world. It’s challenged them to think both scientifically and commercially to develop a marketable product.

“Emma’s knowledge and experience has been invaluable in helping the children’s understanding of the subject and will hopefully inspire the pupils to excel at science subjects when they undertake their GCSEs.”

Emma McMurtry of AstraZeneca volunteers through the national STEM Ambassador scheme run by STEMNET. The organisation joins professionals in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries with school pupils, to encourage them to enjoy STEM subjects and learn about relevant career opportunities.

Emma said: “The project at Urmston Grammar is part of AstraZeneca’s considerable investment in supporting science education across the UK. We work with schools to show them the fun side of science and hopefully inspire them to consider a future career within the industry.”

AstraZeneca has supported the national government-backed STEM Ambassador programme since 2003 and has around 100 employees registered as STEM Ambassadors across the North West.

For more information on AstraZeneca’s community support programmes, please visit: www.astrazeneca.co.uk/community_support/.

For more information about STEMNET, visit www.stemnet.org.uk.