We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.
22/07/2008
Teachers and pupils from across the region are to benefit from a partnership which is the perfect formula to find scientists of the future.
Eleven Northumbrian Water employees have each been paired up with a North East school, through the Teacher Scientist Network, to inspire potential young scientists.
Northumbrian Water scientists go back to school to give students the opportunity to understand and explore what it is like to be a scientist in the ‘real world’ and assist teachers in delivering science lessons which are up-to-date and relevant.
Teaching materials and opportunities to visit the water company’s laboratories, in Horsley and Howdon, on Tyneside, and appropriate water and sewerage treatment works are also provided through the scheme and it will hopefully counteract the ‘eccentric boffin’ stereotype of scientists which has, in turn, encouraged children as young as seven to consider a scientific career.
Fordley Community Primary School, Cramlington, Diamond Hall Junior School, Sunderland, East Rainton Primary School, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne & Wear, St Edwards RC Primary School, Middlesbrough, Ovingham First School, Prudhoe, Parkside School, Willington, County Durham, Langley First School, Whitley Bay, Roseberry Sports & Community College, Chester-le-Street, Hetton School, Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne & Wear, Horndale County Infant & Nursery School, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham and St Williams RCVA Primary School, Trimdon Village are all taking part in this ground-breaking initiative which is being led by Science Learning Centre North East, which is part of Durham University and based in Pity Me, Durham.
Peter Gosling, Northumbrian Water’s head of scientific services, said: “It is a privilege to be involved in encouraging children to consider becoming a scientist and the expertise and advice Northumbrian Water employees share with teachers and pupils will, I am sure, be very useful and inspirational.
“This initiative reflects how important being involved in local communities is to Northumbrian Water and our scientists thoroughly enjoy the interaction with children and are making an important contribution towards making learning more enjoyable.”
Claire Willis, Teacher Science Network co-ordinator, said: “It is fantastic to be working with such a large and well known organisation such as Northumbrian Water. It is through the dedication and commitment of their scientists that we can make a real difference to the way science is taught and received in their partner schools.“
The Teacher Science Network is based on a very successful Norfolk model and is funded by the regional development agency, One NorthEast.
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For further information and to interview Northumbrian Water scientists please contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720 or to find out more about the scheme contact Claire Willis, Teacher Science Network co-ordinator, Science Learning Centre North East on 0191 370 6215.