A Colchester student could help shape the way science is taught in future.

Students' study - Anika Lewis, with a representation of a DNA molecule, is one of three students at Colchester Sixth Form College who have been involved in shaping the future of science teaching. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON (20266-1)

Anika Lewis took part in a national scheme looking at the status of science in our schools and is now preparing to report back to MPs and exam chiefs.

This week the first-year student at Colchester Sixth Form College will also talk with Government officials about the outcome of the major enquiry.

Anika, 16, of Wellesley Road, said the thing which had really been highlighted was pupils' wishes to carry out practical work, which helped them understand theory and was relevant to real life.

She said she realised it would be years before the group's findings would make a difference, but said: "I feel very privileged to have been chosen to take part."

Anika was one of three students from the college invited to attend a series of forums organised by the Science Museum working with the Science Review Body.

Their work produced a series of questions which formed the basis for an internet survey of students' attitudes towards the teaching and learning of science in schools

The survey was then published on a website which students were encouraged to respond to, and Anika has been involved in analysing the responses.

Published Tuesday, March 19, 2002