During February half term the University of Liverpool delivered its second Choose Science event for 105 young people from across Greater Merseyside.

The event aimed to encourage more Year 9 learners to choose double or triple science at GCSE, and to make the link between their own school curriculum, study at university and their future career.

The young people spent three days on campus where they attended two large lectures, where they saw how University teaching differs to school based learning, and they also took part in hands-on science experiments, interactive lectures and debated issues such as climate change, genetic engineering and the use of nanotechnology. They also worked closely with current undergraduate students and learnt about student life.

Young people enjoyed academic taster sessions delivered by departments including Physics, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Geography and Earth and Ocean Sciences; with sessions covering topics such as 'Investigation DNA', 'Choose Engineering' and 'Earthquakes and making waves'.

University staff were impressed with the commitment of the young people, who gave up three days of their half term holiday and the event enjoyed 91% retention across the three days.

After the event 95% of the students said they were more likely to go on University.

Quotes from pupils included:

'I made new friends, I have a greater idea of what I want to do when I'm older and I had fun'

'I enjoyed it a lot, I really want to go to University'

'It was interesting and useful and I hope to come to this University in the future'