Brain Day

A day for psychology A-level students to investigate bio-psychology and forensics, including a live dissection.

Aims

The aim was to give students an immersive insight into the workings of the human brain, with sessions led by a neuroscientist based at University of Nottingham Medical School, and the school's head of psychology.

The need was to bring the A-level syllabus to life through interactive presentations and a live dissection of an ovine brain. Year 13 A-level psychology students from local secondary schools were invited to attend.
 
Pupils and staff from two schools took part in the activities.

Background

Nottingham High School hosts an annual Brain Day event, run by the school’s head of psychology. Part of the schools’ ethos is to share its facilities and STEM opportunities with other schools in the local community.

Resources

For this project to succeed, we needed free access to the school’s Lecture Theatre. The school’s head of psychology led the event in collaboration with Dr Sutton. The head of admissions and partnership oversaw the invitation and booking process with the secondary schools. Our catering staff provided lunch free of charge for visiting students and school staff. 

The event itself ran for 6.5 hours, with approximately three days of preparation time.

 

Impact

"The event was incredible for our students. They came away absolutely buzzing with excitement and couldn’t stop talking about how much they learned and enjoyed it.
It was clear how much effort went into planning the event. The session was engaging, thought provoking, and gave the students a perspective they might not have had otherwise. It really made an impression on them and sparked a lot of enthusiasm and curiosity." 
Head of Social Sciences, Djanogly City Academy

After each event, visiting teachers complete a survey to summarise what their pupils learned and enjoyed about the activity, along with any suggestions for improvement.

 

Pupil Involvement

30 girls and boys aged 17-18 from two local state secondary schools, and two members of staff.

Frequency

The Brain Day event runs annually.