Posted on: 20/11/2017

The importance of science affirmed by Katherine Mathieson, CEO of The British Science Association during visit to Cressex

Katherine Mathieson, CEO of The British Science Association, visited Cressex Community School on Wednesday 15th November, to deliver a talk on ‘The Importance of Science’ and to present our Year 9 students’ with their Silver CREST Awards. 

Each year, over 32,000 CREST Awards are undertaken by 11 to 19 year olds, giving them opportunities to explore real-world science, technology, engineering and maths, (STEM), projects in an exciting way.  These awards are accredited by The British Science Association.

To achieve these respected Crest Awards at Cressex Community School, the school collaborates with Johnson & Johnson, the renowned global pharmaceutical company, to provide our students with an enriching opportunity to participate in a science project throughout the summer term.   Through this partnership our students visit the Johnson & Johnson headquarters in High Wycombe to learn more about this project and to gain an insight into the pharmaceutical industry.  They also benefit from attending workshops which are delivered by specialist personnel on topics such as on diabetes, oncology, tuberculosis, research, drug trials and marketing.  Our students develop their knowledge and interpersonal skills through further research, problem solving and analytical skills, as a team and this project concludes with each group presenting their projects to the Johnson & Johnson ‘dragons’, who select a winning group. 

“Johnson & Johnson have been running this exciting project with Cressex Community School for the past 7 years.  We are constantly amazed by the extremely high level of engagement and motivation of the pupils, and the fantastic, innovative ideas that they come up with.  It’s a great credit to the school”, stated Elena Smith, Director, GCDO Program Leader, Global Clinical Development Operations.

All the participating students were presented with a Silver CREST Award, by Katherine Mathieson, CEO of The British Science Association during her visit today.

Headteacher, David Hood commented: “We are delighted to welcome Katherine Mathieson, from this prestigious organisation, who has reinforced the importance of science and presented our Year 9 students with their well-deserved awards.  We also highly value the strength of our partnership with Johnson & Johnson and the benefits that this presents to our students.”

Page Gallery