What Value has Chemistry Outreach by a University department to secondary schools? Teacher Perceptions of Bristol ChemLabS Outreach Events

This paper explores teachers’ objectives when engaging their students in University outreach programme. Their perceptions of the short-term and long-term effects of outreach engagement on their students are explored. Seven out of twelve teachers interviewed (all from state schools) believed there were long term effects such as a rise in students taking science at preuniversity level. Three out of twelve believed it was too difficult to tell and two believed there were no effects (both from independent schools). However, all teachers believed the activities enhanced interest and would continue to participate. Further exploration of these general findings is presented.