On Wednesday 7th October I went to Liverpool Football Club where, along with around 130 other year 13 students, I displayed a poster and received a certificate for taking part in the Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme. The evening was busy with many teachers (including Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. Benson), parents and pupils (including 4 year 12 pupils from St. Hilda’s) looking at all the different work on show.

Early last year Mrs. Townsend asked if I would be interested in doing a science project over the summer. It sounded like a great opportunity to experience scientific research so I filled in an application form to do the four week project over the summer holidays. I had to describe which subjects I enjoyed the most and why I should be selected for the bursary (£80 per week!). Bursaries are available for science, maths and technology subjects so that students can experience doing research in these areas.

In March I learned I had a place and in May I was told I would be working with Professor Peter Giblin in the Mathematical Sciences Department of the University of Liverpool. A couple of weeks before the project started I went to meet Professor Giblin and the two other students  alongside whom I would do my project. Professor Giblin suggested some ideas for the projects. I was most interested in a project on card shuffles and permutations.

Before the first day I was excited but also quite nervous. Everyone was nice and I soon got the hang of reading appropriate books and making the calculations. I was able to work independently and speak to Professor Giblin about areas I did not understand. I enjoyed the four weeks and was really proud of the written project and poster I produced along with the new maths that I learnt.

Rosemary Daley 13Q