Science talent given a boost

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), May 31, 2008

YOUNG scientists on Tyneside are being offered the chance to ditch A-levels for a new route into higher education.

In a collaboration which is the first of its kind in the UK, Newcastle University has joined forces with a North Tyneside School and the Open University in an effort to encourage young talent in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Pupils from Monkseaton High School in Seatonville Road will be able to study degree-level modules in place of A-levels and still have the opportunity to go on to fulltime university.

It is hoped the new course, an extension of the Open University's successful Young Applicants in Schools Scheme, will result in more students studying core science subjects at university.

Dr Heather Finlayson, dean of undergraduate studies at Newcastle University, said: "What we are doing is encouraging and enthusing young people and at the end of two years they are able to get a place at university even though they haven't taken the standard route."