BUDDING young scientists have staged a successful medical presentation evening.

Cronton Sixth Form Science and Medical Society also raised £1,612 for Parkinson’s UK after being sponsored to create a long chain of nerve cells made out of matchsticks and plasticine.

The society gives students the chance to gain valuable experience in problem based learning and public speaking.

The teenagers were challenged to put together presentations on topics including scurvy, bulimia, malaria and MRI scans.

Science tutor Jill Greenhalgh said: “It has been a privilege to work with these students and we have been very proud of the professional manner in which they have conducted themselves.

“The students have worked on these projects with great energy and commitment and have taken inspiration and tips for their presentations from the visiting speakers on dentistry malaria and tissue engineering.

“The presentation evening has been a wonderful success.”

Students took part in a spoken examination with Dr Victoria Kearns from Liverpool University where they were cross examined on their knowledge of their chosen subjects.

She said she was very impressed with the standard of their work and the confidence they demonstrated.

Sixth formers developed their presentation skills with help from Mat Plant, the college’s performing arts tutor.

“Over the past year the students have grown in confidence and maturity,” added Mrs Greenhalgh.

“Their leadership and team working skills have developed in a mutually supportive environment where the students have been able to increase their knowledge in science and medicine.

“The students have thoroughly enjoyed raising money and are thrilled that it can be used to search for cures for Parkinson’s.”