Primary six pupils from an Aberdeenshire school were on campus in Old Aberdeen this week discovering what student life could be like and how what is learned in the classroom relates to real life.
The youngsters from Fishermoss Primary heard from Dr Samantha May, lecturer in the department of Politics and International Relations at the School of Social Sciences, who helped them understand the basics of Scotland’s political structure and how policies influence our everyday lives.
They visited the Zoology building and met with Dr Elizabeth Campbell, School Education and Outreach Officer for the School of Biological Sciences who spoke to them about science and the environment; and they heard about climate change from Dr William Harcourt from the School of Geosciences.
Pupils then got a chance to tour the fluids laboratory at the School of Engineering’s Meston building with Dr Mark Stewart and then get up close to the TAU Racing car. They also heard from students about what campus life is like and took part in an employability workshop, encouraging them to think about some of the communication and interpersonal skills that are needed at college, university and in the world of work.
Pam Cumming, Schools Engagement Officer for the Business School, who organised the visit, said: “This is the latest event in a long-standing relationship we have with Fishermoss Primary through which we work with the next generation of young minds to enthuse and inspire them about both the world around them and their future career choices.
“They were a fantastic group and we were delighted to be able to give them a flavour of what we teach at the University and the breadth of opportunities available to them.”
Fiona McRae, P6 teacher, said: "The pupils had a great visit to the University. It was so informative and included so many different areas, with a great emphasis on the relevance to everyday life and future careers.
"The insight into university life and studies has also given the children inspiration for the future and some have already decided what they would like to study. It was an enjoyable day with something for everyone."