Are you in year 12? Do you enjoy chemistry but aren’t sure what jobs it can lead to? Are you thinking about studying chemistry at university but aren’t sure it’s for you? Would you like to have a go at carrying out experiments in a university research lab and learn from university academics? Would you like to boost your understanding and love of chemistry?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then we have the programme for you…
What is ChemBoost?
The Sheffield Hallam University ChemBoost programme is an opportunity for A-level Chemistry and BTEC Applied Sciences students to participate in a one-year, online academic-led tutoring and pastoral support programme. We will support you from Easter of year 12 right up until Easter of Y13. ChemBoost promises to be an enjoyable, motivating, and intellectually invigorating introduction to studying chemistry at university.
Contact chemboost@shu.ac.uk for more information
15th December 2023 – Applications open (for 2024/25)
28th February 2024 – Applications close (for 2024/25)
Early March 2024 – Applicants made aware of application outcomes
28th April 2024 – ChemBoost launch event
- Read through the ChemBoost webpages and ensure you can commit to time requirements for the programme.
- If you have any questions, get in touch by our email chemboost@shu.ac.uk
- Complete the application form before the deadline.
- Ask your teacher/tutor to complete the verification link once you have applied.
What does it involve?
Successful applicants will have access to online tutorial sessions led by university academics, as well mentor sessions with current Sheffield Hallam University students and high-quality online study materials covering topics from the A-level chemistry chemistry and BTEC Applied Science syllabuses.
You will also be invited to come to Sheffield Hallam University in-person, see our teaching labs, meet with academics and students and win some chemistry-themed goodies. 😊 You can ask questions about university life and find out what studying a STEM degree involves as well as the future career paths it can take you on.
What format does the programme use?
ChemBoost kicks off with a welcome event at Sheffield Hallam University where you will:
- Meet your fellow ChemBoosters, tutors and mentors
- Receive a welcome pack
- Experience university chemistry labs
The programme runs on a 3-week cycle with each week following a different theme:
You will receive online study resources linked to the A-level A-level Chemistry and BTEC Applied Science syllabuses to go through in your own time and improve your understanding of key topic areas. You will also be given some review questions to test your understanding, which you will submit to your tutors for review.
You will attend an online tutorial session with your tutor group which will be led by a SHU academic. You will be given subject specific academic tuition on the chemistry topic of the week 1 self-study material. You will have the opportunity to ask questions on any topics you are struggling with and get support from your tutor.
You will attend an online session with your fellow ChemBoosters led by a SHU student. These university taster sessions will cover a range of topics including university life and UCAS applications.
What are the key benefits for the participants?
- Find out what studying chemistry at university is all about
- Get help with preparing your UCAS application
- Receive support to achieve the grades you need to study chemistry at university
- Hear from guest speakers about how chemistry research is changing modern lives
- See where a chemistry degree could take you
- Have the chance to win chemistry themed Prizes
- Have access to academic support during revision periods
How much time will participants need to commit to the programme?
It is expected that you will spend:
- 1-2 hours engaging with the independent study material and preparing for the tutorial in week 2
- Attend a 1-hour online tutorial in week 2
- Attend a 1-hour online advice session in week 3
Am I eligible to take part?
To participate in the ChemBoost programme, please complete the online application form. The programme is open to all but places will be given preferentially to candidates that meet the selection criteria outlined below:
- Are eligible for Free School Meals
- Live in an area of Low Participation Neighbourhood (measured by TUNDRA data)
- Are from an ethnic/gender/socioeconomic group currently underrepresented in HE
- Live in the South Yorkshire area
Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. As this is a programme for 16–18-year-olds we can only accept students starting Y12 in September 2023 who are no older than 17 years old as of 1st September in this application cycle. Please discuss your application with your Sixth Form/College tutor as they will be asked to confirm your student status.
Part of the National Levelling Up Chemistry Programme
