Life Science Students Receive Expert Tuition

Students at a school in Liverpool were recently treated to master classes in technical and laparoscopic surgery by a national medical organisation which presented a unique day of project-based learning.

The Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) introduced basic surgical skills including suturing techniques and cyst removal to students at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC before they performed a series of group challenges involving keyhole surgery.

Mr Steve Hornby, ASiT course convener and surgical registrar, said: “This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this below University level, but the UTC’s students have shown an impressive level of scientific and technical understanding. By introducing technical skills and clinical scenarios that surgeons encounter on a day to day basis, students benefit from first-hand experiences that may encourage their decisions in the future.

“Events like these highlight the importance of project based learning (PBL) and judging by the enthusiastic faces around the labs, we might have discovered some of the surgeons of tomorrow.”

Liverpool Life Sciences UTC located in the city’s Baltic Triangle, is the first school in the UK to specialise in science and Healthcare from 14-19 tear olds.. Alongside GCSE, A Levels and BTEC qualifications, students prepare for employment in the science and health sectors by following a programme of Project Based Learning mentored by partners from the sector.  

Principal Phil Lloyd said: “It was a privilege for ASiT to visit the school, we feel very fortunate to have such esteemed experts working with our students. The day of practical learning provided our young people with an insight to various pathways associated with health care. By combining vocational education like this with academia, we’re capable of delivering an all-encompassing experience.”