Do you cover science only?

Broadly, most of our courses have scientific content, but more senior courses often cover ethical and moral issues, e.g. The Trouble with Science is Ethics and Famine – Who Lives? Art is a large part of A Day with Leo and When Art Meets Science.

How can I book?

Teachers can book courses for whole classes directly from us. Please ring 01603 755404 or email us at info@boost-ed.co.uk

Do you stick strictly to the age ranges advertised?

The courses have been designed for more able youngsters in the age ranges given for each course. However, since more able students are, by definition, performing beyond expectations, it is sometimes possible to accommodate other ages. We find that the most important thing is that the young people concerned are mature enough to work with older children in teams.

I want to book a course for a whole year group but your events cater for 30 students.

Some courses were originally designed for larger numbers of students, up to more than 200 in fact. Give us a call on 01603 755404 or email us at info@boost-ed.co.uk

How well qualified are your presenters?

Because our courses are designed for more able students, groups are always taught by a presenter used to dealing with older students. For example our most advanced courses, for older students are presented by seniors academics e.g. Directors of Schools or Senior Lecturers. Courses with specialist topics are always presented by appropriate people e.g. Watching the Weather is always presented by a meteorologist. Primary courses are always presented by qualified senior school teachers.

Are the courses safe? What about health and safety?

All courses have a risk assessment which is available on request and is included in the pre-course information packs for teachers. Information on health issues e.g. allergies, collected from parental permission forms, is passed on, in confidence, to presenters and destroyed after the course. All presenters are familiar with working in science laboratories if appropriate for the course and the safety issues that arise. Appropriate warnings are given to students at the beginning and a relevant places during course delivery.

All buildings used for courses are approved for teaching purposes e.g. university buildings, and conform to local authority fire regulations.

Two members of Boost Education staff (always one female) are present throughout the day on Saturdays. All presenters are CRB checked to the enhanced level.

Boost Education carries £5,000,00 of public liability insurance, £2,000,000 of professional indemnity insurance, as required by the national G&T programme.

What about course quality?

All courses are vetted to ensure that they conform to the national programme quality standards and we are an approved and accredited provider for the national programme.

I’ve got an idea for a course.

Then please let us know. We are continually trying to expand the number and variety of topics, so if you have good idea, let's try to make a course from it!

Can I stay with my child during the course?

Unless your child has a special need for learning support we do not encourage parents to stay, we find that it inhibits the children’s interaction with others. Children are often “on their own” to begin with but very soon become integrated as the activities gain momentum.

How can we give you feedback?

An evaluation is completed by students at the end of each course. The results are sent to presenters, and, for courses booked directly by teachers to the client schools. Parents with specific comments or general feedback are welcome to ring us on 01603 755404 or email info@boost-ed.co.uk

Can I inspect course content in advance?

All course material is copyrighted by Science & Health Communications, the parent registered company, and is not available for inspection in advance. However, teachers booking a course receive an information pack of pre-course material containing a course summary (for preparatory work), an introduction with learning objectives etc. together with risk assessment and insurance details etc.

Are staff CRB checked?

All lead primary presenters are qualified teachers and as such are CRB checked to the enhanced level and are familiar with child safety and protection issues (see website section on policies). Academics taking more senior courses are CRB checked.