They spread their wings under the care of mentors
Eight exceptionally talented pupils of the Academic Secondary Comprehensive Schools of the Silesian University of Technology will develop their skills under the supervision of scientists from the University – the next, seventh edition of the “Spread your Wings” mentoring program has been officially inaugurated.
The Silesian University of Technology program “Spread your Wings” is addressed to secondary comprehensive school pupils of the University who show interest in science and technology. The program is based on the individual relationship of the pupil with the academic staff of the university, the aim of which is to develop the intellectual potential and support the personal development of young people.
– Our teachers try to see all positive willingness among pupils to do more than just go to school, but it is also the pupils who try to invent various educational programs or projects that are important to them and in which they want to fulfil – said Dr Małgorzata Borysławska, Headmistress of the Academic Secondary Comprehensive School in Gliwice, stressing that even some pupils of the second and third classes of the Gliwice school already have a rich scientific portfolio and a lot of achievements in nationwide competitions. – Then we send them to the mentoring program because we know that they will definitely use this time as best as possible, the possibility of such close cooperation with a university employee is something really unique for 16-year-olds – adds the Headmistress of the school.
Aleksander Masztalski, second class student at ALO (Academic Secondary Comprehensive School) in Gliwice is one of eight students who successfully completed recruitment for the program. He has just returned from Warsaw, where the award in the competition of the Polish Space Agency was presented to him by Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski.
– Mr Sławosz added to this fire that burns in me, the fire of love for science, love for space exploration – said the pupil. - I want to develop my programming and 3D modelling skills and deepen my interests, - added Aleksander Masztalski. In the program, together with Prof. Tomasz Błachowicz from the Institute of Physics, he will study biosignatures, i.e. compounds that provide evidence for the existence of biological life.
The issues that young people want to explore in cooperation with their mentors include science in terms of preparation for the Olympics and competitions, the economy of sustainable development, the history of Japanese architecture, the development of drone techniques and a project consisting in simplifying the electronics system located in the flight simulator at the Silesian University of Technology.
– It will not be a typical science, but in a way journey through life, showing the world of science, engineering and technical sciences, modern laboratories – enumerated Prof. Dr Hab Eng. Marek Pawełczyk, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology while congratulating the pupils. - The mentoring program is also an opportunity to get acquainted with what the Silesian University of Technology offers to students, with the academic community, atmosphere and wealth of topics that we deal with, - added the Rector emphasizing also the role of teachers and parents in the development of pupils.
– I congratulate you that you can be a part of such ambitious projects and advanced research, I also congratulate the mentors and I hope that this cooperation will bring you a lot of joy – added Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Chrobok, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education at the Silesian University of Technology
Most mentors have already participated in this program before.
– I am a mentor for the second time, and I must say that young people are fantastic, incredibly curious about the world, open to new knowledge, the pupils surprise me with their diligence – said Dr Hab. Eng. Danuta Gillner, Prof. SUT.
The mentoring program develops not only theoretical but also practical knowledge and soft skills such as teamwork or presentation of research results. Pupils can participate in research projects, establish cooperation with the Student Science Clubs. This facilitates the choice of field of study and gives them an advantage in competing for academic opportunities in the future. It is no wonder that the mentoring program is becoming increasingly popular among secondary school pupils and even candidates for academic secondary comprehensive schools.
– Many people during open days ask about what distinguishes us from other very good secondary comprehensive schools in Rybnik and about the opportunity to participate in many initiatives of the Silesian University of Technology, and the mentoring program is one of the magnets that attract pupils to our school – said Krzysztof Lazaj, the Headmaster of the Academic Secondary Comprehensive School in Rybnik, adding that many graduates of the school choose to study at the Silesian University of Technology.
– I see it as a sign of great courage that you are taking such a step forward and want to do much more, I keep my fingers crossed for the success of these projects and I hope that in the future we will welcome you to the walls of the Silesian University of Technology – Prof. Dr Hab Eng. Bożena Skołud , Vice-Rector for General Affairs summed up the meeting.
Since the first edition of the mentoring program for academic secondary comprehensive schools, 52 students and 81 mentors have taken part in it.
