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Derby College’s T Level students win prestigious IRIS award

Derby College Group (DCG) is proud to announce that its exceptional research team of students has been honoured with the prestigious IRIS (Institute for Research in Schools) Awards for Best Research Team in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field of research.

For their winning submission, the Science T-Level, Year 1 students explored different governments’ responses, those, in the UK and New Zealand, to the Covid pandemic and the impact various restrictions had on the number of Covid deaths.

The IRIS awarding team commented on the efforts of the DCG students: “The students worked together to complete research as part of their T-levels. Driven by their own research questions, they demonstrated tremendous teamwork and self-motivation.”

The IRIS Awards are a brilliant opportunity to celebrate students’ research and showcase their work to acclaimed scientists and educators. 

The DCG students competed against 203 schools and colleges across the UK to secure the prize with the award being presented at an impressive ceremony at the renowned Francis Crick Institute.  

Dame Kate Bingham, who led the UK Government’s Vaccine Taskforce during the Covid pandemic, presented the awards and shared her appreciation for the bright young stars.

Award winning students with their T Level teacher holding their award.

The students were accompanied at the ceremony by Alison Buckenham, Teacher of Science was the tutor who facilitated the lessons dedicated to IRIS and Pav Vedhany, Teacher of Science and their Personal Tutor.

The accolade comes as a testament to the unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit of the student research team, which has consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge and made significant advancements in various fields.  

Their exceptional work allowed them to experience a subject beyond the curriculum and see how theories work in practice.

“We are tremendously honoured to receive the IRIS Award for Best Research Team,” said Matt Ridgill, Assistant Principle at DCG “This recognition demonstrates the dedication and passion that DCG, our teachers and our students bring to their research endeavours. 

“It is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their tireless pursuit of knowledge.” 

The charity IRIS offers opportunities for secondary, sixth form and college students from all backgrounds to participate in authentic research while at school and make valuable, recognised contributions to the scientific community.  

It allows students to participate in cutting-edge STEM research and collaborate with leading universities and institution while still in education.

This week is National T Levels Week, which is a government initiative to showcase the benefits and diversity of T Levels.  

The government developed T-Levels to deliver world-class technical education and give learners a new choice after GCSEs. T-Levels help young people develop their knowledge, attitude and practical skills to thrive in the workplace.