Friday 26 December 2014

Ever considered a career in Geology?...

Geologists (sometimes referred to as Geoscientists) study the matter  and the structure of the Earth. They also study the Earth’s history and how it was formed and shaped over time. Geologists also explore the Earth’s natural mineral and energy resources, and analyse rocks to uncover its history.  There are a large variety of disciplines geology may specialise in, including marine geology, pedology, volcanology, metamorphic petrology, geochemistry and geophysics.

A geologist might be involved in:

  • Assessing the ground for building suitability on engineering projects like dam or tunnel building
  • Advising on suitable sites for landfill or storage of nuclear waste
  • Searching for energy resources and minerals such as gas and oil
  • Designing projects to search for new water supplies
  • Studying volcanic and seismic activity to develop early warning systems for communities living close to earthquake zones

To be a geologist, you should have:

  • An interest in the natural world
  • Good scientific and technical skills
  • Good observation skills
  • Strong spoken and written communication skills
  • A methodical approach, including to solving problems
  • A good level of general fitness
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • The ability to work with statistical and graphical information
  • A willingness to travel and be away from home for long periods


Important subjects related to geology include physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computer science. To do this job you will need a degree in a relevant subject. Some employers may ask for postgraduate qualifications. Higher level courses related to geology include mineralogy, hydrogeology, sedimentology, palaeontology, physical geology and structural geology.



A geologists salary may start at between £22,000 and £35,000 a year. With experience, it could rise to £50,000 or more. Consultant and geoscientists working in remote areas or in the oil and gas industries may earn even higher salaries. (Figures are a guideline only)

For more information, visit these websites…


Wednesday 24 December 2014

Ever considered a career in Physics?...

Scientists who research in physics are called physicists. Physicists study the world around us and try to discover the laws which explain how and why objects exist and behave as they do, they study everything from tiny atomic particles to the entire Universe as a whole. Physicists look at natural phenomena and use maths to develop theories that help to explain why they occur. Their research acts as the scientific basis for developments in all kinds of technology from medical equipment and electronic devices to space and satellites – the list goes on.

A physicist might be involved in:

  • Climate forecasting
  • Developing new medical instruments and treatments
  • Development of analytical equipment
  • Working in satellite technology and space exploration
  • Investigating new ways to generate power
  • Exploring robotics and artificial intelligence
  • Teaching in schools, colleges or universities
  • Using your knowledge to work in publishing, broadcasting or journalism


To be a physicist you should have:

  • Good scientific and mathematical knowledge
  • An enquiring mind
  • Clear and logical thinking, with good problem solving skills
  • A systematic approach to work, with a high level of accuracy
  • Good communication and presentation skills
  • Report writing skills
  • The ability to work both as part of a team and as an individual
  • Leadership and project management skills


Important subjects related to physics include chemistry, algebra, calculus, statistics and computer science. To get into a physics related job, you will usually need a degree in physics, applied physics or a related science or engineering subject. Some employers may also require a relevant postgraduate qualification such as an MSc, MPhil or PhD. Courses that can be taken as part of a physics degree include thermodynamics, astrophysics, electricity and magnetism, particle physics, nuclear physics, kinematics, quantum physics and much more.

A physicist’s starting salary can be between £21,000 and £25,000 a year. Research physicists who have recently completed a PhD can earn between £25,000 and £35,000. Senior physicists can ear upward of £48,000. (figures are a guideline only)

For more information, visit these websites…







Wednesday 17 December 2014

Have you ever considered a career in Chemistry?

Chemists study various chemical elements and compounds, their properties and how they work together in our bodies and also the world around us.
Specialist fields in chemistry include biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, physical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry and analytical chemistry.

Important subjects related to chemistry include other sciences (physics, biology) English, algebra, calculus and computer science.

It helps for chemists to have versatile science knowledge. Good chemists would usually have;

·         An eye for detail
·         Scientific, numerical and technical skills
·         An enquiring mind
·         Logical approach to solving problems
·         Patience and persistence
·         Leadership and team working skills
·         The ability to make decisions
·         Good spoken and written communication skills
·         IT skills

Those who study chemistry can find jobs as researchers, laboratory technicians, teachers and other important roles. You could be;

·         Saving lives through development of new medicines
·         Analysing the environment and investigating climate change
·         Protecting health by keeping water supplies clean
·         Creating new products and controlling quality in the food industry
·         Finding ways to dispose of industrial waste safely
·         Inventing new artificial materials
·         Diagnosing and treating illnesses or diseases
·         Analysing forensic evidence in criminal investigations
·         Teaching, lecturing and academic research

Chemists are in very high demand in all sectors, particularly in industries such as the production of chemicals and pharmaceutical products.
Trainee graduate chemists can earn between £16,000 and £22,000 a year. With experience this can rise to between £25,000 and £35,000 a year. (figures are a guideline only)

You will usually need a degree in chemistry, applied or analytical chemistry, biochemistry or a related scientific subject. Many employers will also want you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification such as an MSc, MChem, MSci, MPhil, or PhD.

For more information…

Monday 8 December 2014

SATRO NUMERACY DAYS - KEMPTON RACECOURSE 8TH DECEMBER 2014

 Today, groups from Therfield School, Bishop David Brown School & Magna Carta School are attending a Numeracy Day at Kempton Racecourse. During the day, the students will have an opportunity to set mathematical skills and knowledge into context through their application in daily working life. Exercises, contained a workbook given to students on the day, include a range of calculations based on what happens at a racecourse on race day. Activities include a behind-the-scenes appreciation of working in the weighing room, fence construction and angles of jump that are all based upon mathematical principles and associated calculations. These Numeracy Days are part of BHE&ST's Racing to School programme.
If you are interested in booking a similar event for a group of your own students, then please email amalee@satro.org.uk