Highlight of the Week

Mentor Feedback

Since hearing from some of the students about their experiences of the Step Up to University essay project, we have received feedback from some of the markers on how the students responded to the task.

• Peter Knowles who is a Professor at the Cardiff Univeristy School of Chemistry and also a governor for CSL. 

“Taking self-directed deep dives in an area of learning is probably both the most important and the most challenging aspect of university studies. The essays that I have seen have demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to owning both the detail and the relevance of some of the greatest recent advances in chemistry. Students have developed their critical thinking in going beyond the textbook to find and analyse the primary sources that first presented new ideas. I warmly appreciate this excellent initiative”.

• Dr Ramakanta Patra is a Senior Lecturer in Economics and Finance at Cardiff School of Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University. 

“The essays assigned are very appealing to the contemporary world economy. I feel it would engender thoughts about the most important real-world problems among young students. It’s not only important, but also necessary for every institution of learning to make such effort if we were to succeed in providing a solution to such problems for which collaborative effort is indispensable.” Dr Ramakanta Patra, a Senior Lecturer in Economics and Finance at Cardiff School of Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University. 

• Dr O’Toole is a local GP and Cardiff University Medical School graduate.

“This presentation included clear explanation of antibiotics and use in scientific terms. It was an in-depth analysis particularly of the future strategies to tackle resistance and alternatives to antibiotics. It definitely felt like reading a piece of writing at a university standard. This was an engaging presentation and covered the major issues regarding reasons for antibiotic resistance and strategies to tackle this. Clear introduction to antibiotic use and resistance for non-medics also.” Overall Dr O’Toole said that she was extremely impressed by the high standard of research and critical analysis that the students had put in to their work and that the project is an excellent way for the students to prepare for the challenges of university level medical studies.

• Andrew Taylor, Retired Engineer

“Engineers are always willing to impart their knowledge and experience and hence helping with setting and assessing projects for the students gave a great opportunity to be part of making a contribution to the students development. A rewarding process to be part of and very happy to help again.”

• Helen Phillips and Wendy Ivins, both at Cardiff University

“The Step Up to University project run by CSL was an unique opportunity offered to pupils at this challenging time. Students who engaged with this project demonstrated a clear commitment to higher education and independent learning. The work that we reviewed was of an excellent standard. We hope pupils enjoyed undertaking the projects as much as we enjoyed reading them. We would like to thank Mrs Dinsmore for providing us with the opportunity to be involved with the Computer Science Project.”