Published on:
08
April 2013
Alva Academy Biology Department has gained more Nuffield bursaries this year than any other department at any school in Scotland.
Three biology students at Alva learned this week that they had been successful in their Nuffield Bursary applications which will allow them to take part in summer research courses at various universities around the UK - a significant boost to their education.
S5 pupil Sophie Morrison will spend four weeks in the summer as part of a research team working on malaria in London.
Robbie Cinquegrana, also in S5, will be joining a research team on Immunology at Stirling University in the Aquaculture Department for four weeks in the summer. Robbie will also receive a substantial subsistence grant on top of the usual payments.
Ruth Tulloch, an S4 pupil, will be working at Stirling University on fish genetics.
Head Teacher, Sharee MacKerron said: "This is excellent news that three Alva pupils have gained a Nuffield bursary this year as they will greatly benefit from the experience."
"It is a testimony to the department that they have the highest number of bursaries in Scotland. Their consistent track record is important here as all previous pupils over the last 10 years have delivered a great performance completing a very good final report of their research activities."
Congratulating the students, Education Convener, Councillor Ellen Forson added: "I am absolutely delighted for the three pupils at Alva Academy, and for the school itself, and in particular the Biology Department, who have once again led the way in Scotland for the number of Nuffield Bursaries obtained by any one department. I wish the pupils well in their summer research, which I have no doubt will be invaluable to them to going on and further their careers."
Last week six Alva Academy pupils who have an interest in studying Marine Biology went to Stirling University where they attended a lecture, toured the research laboratories and visited the tropical aquaria.
Two of the University staff involved in this have since commented on the excellent questions and the high level of interest from the pupils.