The Judd School navigates its way to the Rolls-Royce Science Prize
Hayley Andrews, who led the six-strong winning team, accepted the 2015 Science Prize from Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Warren East at a ceremony held recently at the Science Museum in London (above).
Cheshire-based Rode Heath Primary School’s ‘Out of this World’ project, enthusing children through the topic of space, was the runner up. And Churchend Primary School, Reading, Berkshire was given The Eden Award for its ‘ECO-MAD’ project by Sir Tim Smit, Executive Vice Chairman and Co-founder of the Eden Project.
Warren East said: “These are all very different projects but they share two common features. First, their success in firing the imaginations of the youngsters taking part, and second the obvious enthusiasm of some excellent teachers who clearly understand the importance of STEM education.”
Taking as its premise the importance of DNA technology for addressing major global issues, ‘DNAvigate’ (a community project) inspired passion and enthusiasm in the students for science, enhanced their communications skills and raised their awareness of ethical issues around the subject.
Ms Andrews said: “This has been a fantastic experience with great outcomes: academic attainment was increased amongst the participating students and an awareness of the potential of this exciting topic raised to both students and the public. We’re passionate about this project and winning the Rolls-Royce Science Prize means that it can continue and grow.”
“I’m sure that I speak for all entrants when I say that, ultimately the main value of the Science Prize has already been derived in being able to run our projects, making us all winners here.”
The Rolls-Royce Science Prize is the company’s flagship UK education programme, designed to encourage and reward innovative science teaching that in turn inspires students to enjoy science and consider it as a career. Applications for the 2016/2017 Prize can be submitted as part of an ENTHUSE-funded CPD course at the National Science Learning Centre in York or by completing an entry form.