The idea of an experiments roadshow was first put to us by Kenton Lewis, widening participation officer at St George’s Hospital Medical School. He worked out a few ideas with medical school staff and students, then teamed up with our science teachers to develop a project adaptable for all age groups.

We trained the medical students in delivering the roadshows, and they receive a Community Education Award when they’ve held six of them. The roadshows fit in a suitcase and the medical school plans to take them to other secondary schools in London and the Southeast, and in collaboration with Burntwood may also visit local primary schools.

The roadshows are a science-based fun way to find out about various aspects of medicine and healthcare. They are also way of attracting students to careers in healthcare, in particular those which are having problems recruiting applicants.

Radiography is a prime example. The roadshow entitled “The Human Jigsaw - an Introduction to Radiography” has generated considerable interest among Burntwood students. Pictured here is medical student Ayoola Awopetu with pupils.

Debbie Spencer, Eric Theron, Vassilliki Xyloyiannis and Adam Tedd

Science department, Burntwood School, Wandsworth, London