Ofsted, an educational watchdog in the UK, recently highlighted the work of Havant College in the UK as an exceptional example of science teaching practice.
Ofsted Inspectors visited over a hundred colleges and found Havant, in Hampshire, to be particularly praiseworthy. The inspectors were looking for good practices in various fields including business, administration and law, science and engineering. They particularly looked for programmes that offered vocational training and educational opportunities.
Havant’s divisional director for natural sciences, Hugh Smith, explained the philosophy behind the College’s unique programme. “The idea is to give students an experience of science in the real world. We don’t do vocational courses here so we think it’s important for them to see what happens in industry,” he said.
John McDougall, the school’s principal commented: “The strength of science here is the work with industry which brings science alive. That’s what makes the difference. It’s nice to get Ofsted to confirm what we already know.”
Students at Havant College can choose courses which include educational field trips, such as visiting geothermal power stations in Iceland, radiology wards at hospitals and British breweries
Students studying science, the environment, climate and sustainable economies were invited to join a trip to Iceland which took place in November 2007. The visit included stops at a geothermal power station outside Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon and several spots along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Student Fiona Smythe said, “One of the things I loved about Iceland was how diverse the scenery was. I really enjoyed walking up a mountain covered in trees with golden leaves to see an icy waterfall and less than half an hour later to be standing at the foot of an immense dynamic glacier – it was awesome”.