Hymers College welcomed young scientists from schools across Hull and East Yorkshire to take part in its annual Science Triathlon.
Now in its third year, the Science Triathlon is a competition for Year 10 students who have an aptitude for and interest in science.
Students participated in challenges across the three scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, competing for a number of coveted trophies which were presented at a celebration event held in Hymers’ main hall.
The independent Hull school has a strong tradition in sciences, and this year’s competition put the budding scientists through their paces in a series of practical and written challenges including a heart dissection, capacitor testing and CSI ‘whodunnit’.
Year 12 Hymers students were heavily involved in the day, acting as mentors and supporting the visiting schools with the activities.
Eighteen teams of four students from Beverley Grammar School, The Boulevard Academy, Hornsea School and Language College, The Snaith School, St Mary’s College, South Hunsley, Holderness Academy, Newland School for Girls, Withernsea High School, Baysgarth School and Malet Lambert participated in the challenge.
The teams’ teachers were only allowed to observe the activities from a distance, so the work was entirely that of the students themselves.
Adam Sullivan, Science Teacher at The Boulevard Academy, said “We all enjoyed the event. It is such a well organised day and gives our students an experience they would not normally have.”
Event organiser, Jane Kirkby, Work Experience Coordinator and Alumni Engagement Officer at Hymers, said: “The work the students were set was designed to stimulate and stretch the most gifted and talented young scientists.
“In addition to the three practical challenges, the students were also set a written assessment, which was designed to extend their learning and to take them out of their comfort zone.
“We were incredibly impressed with the standard of work, and all of the students who took part should be incredibly proud of themselves.”
Twelve awards were presented, sponsored by supporting businesses Croda, Wood, Phillips 66, Vuba, Reckitt and Mason Clark Associates.
Hosted by Headmaster Justin Stanley and Year 12 mentors, the awards were presented by representatives from the sponsor businesses.
Individuals and teams from Newland School for Girls, Beverley Grammar School, Holderness Academy, Baysgarth School, Malet Lambert, Hornsea School and Language College and The Snaith School all received awards.
The overall winning team and Science Triathlon champion was Holderness Academy.
Mr Stanley, speaking at the presentation, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome so many talented young people from across the city and region to Hymers to celebrate their scientific endeavours. We are delighted for the winning teams.
“The strong tradition of scientific study and enquiry we have at Hymers is something we cherish, and we are dedicated to supporting young people to thrive and flourish within this sector.
“In the challenging modern world, we need to make the most of the brain power at our disposal, and it is evident from the performance of the young people in this challenge that we have some excellent burgeoning scientific minds in the region.
“All of the participating students should be extremely proud of the fact that they were asked to represent their school and that they took part in the triathlon with such enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity.
“I would like to thank our sponsors for their generosity in supporting our triathlon. It is great to partner with companies who make such a valuable contribution to the region and are supportive of initiatives that celebrate and champion excellence in young people.”