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| CORPORATE |  Primary Education Mexichem Fluor believes it is vital to forge close links with and support local primary schools. As science subjects within schools lose their popularity and the emergence of a skills gap in chemistry becomes apparent, communicating the value of chemistry takes on an even greater importance. Mexichem Fluor has previously worked on the Children Challenging Industry Programme and has now become involved in the PSEP - Primary Science Enhancement Programme. The Primary Science Enhancement Programme scheme consists of three classroom-based sessions taught by the scheme's North West co-ordinator and a half-day visit to Mexichem Fluor on Runcorn site. The three sessions, which take place over half a term, concentrate on the use of water in manufacturing (with particular reference to the chemical industry). The children are taught using hands-on demonstrations about cooling, filtration and preventing leaks from water pipes. They are encouraged to report their findings to Mexichem Fluor on their site visit. The site visit takes place after the three sessions have been taught. The children and helpers are collected from the school and brought to the site, where they are given an interactive presentation on Mexichem Fluor, its products and use of water. The children are then split into three groups and rotate between three demonstrations facilitated by members of the Mexichem Fluor staff, including an engineer, a scientist and a plant manager. The demonstrations are an opportunity for the children to experience science at work in an industrial environment. The children are then taken on a tour of Runcorn site. Secondary Education It is during secondary education that interest in science-based subjects falls away and Mexichem Fluor recognises the importance of developing strong links with secondary schools close to its Runcorn Site. The company seeks involvement on a number of levels from site visits to support, school presentations to individual projects. Mexichem Fluor has worked closely with GCSE students and A level students from Helsby High School, Frodsham and also had the opportunity to take part in the Business Eduction Matters programme in conjunction with Chemicals North West.  |