Year 8 students Hattie, Elsie and Alessa have been named finalists in the prestigious STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory School Science Prize.
To enter the competition, the students were asked to explain their love of science in approximately 500 words, using personal experiences and original ideas. Essays were marked on creativity and originality, clarity and content, ensuring the work was both engaging and factually accurate.
The students’ essays showcased a wide range of interests and experiences:
· Alessa linked science to her passion for gymnastics, explaining how biology and physics help her understand muscles, fitness, diet and the effects of gravity on her performance. She wrote: “To be the best gymnast I can be, my understanding of the science of biology is important to my success.”
· Elsie focused on nutrition and sports psychology, showing how science informs her approach to netball. She reflected: “Science also helps me realise how I can prevent myself from getting an injury… it helps doctors and physios know how to fix it.”
· Hattie shared her lifelong fascination with science, from childhood experiments with chemistry kits to inventive projects at school. She wrote: “My ambition in life is to win a place at The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology to study electromechanical engineering and then get a job as a robotics engineer.”
The three students’ essays were selected from over 125 entries, with only 16 individuals from across the UK reaching the final stage. As part of the final, they each produced a video which was shown at the Rutherford Laser Lab.
During their visit to the lab, the students enjoyed presentations from staff, including a live link to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities. They also had the opportunity to meet scientists informally and explore interactive stands. Exhibits included asteroid samples, imaging techniques for fossils, and demonstrations of lasers and lenses in action, allowing the students to experience science first-hand.
Mrs Bacon, the students’ science teacher, said: “I was incredibly proud to see our pupils at Rutherford in the final of the science competition. They impressed judges with their enthusiasm, creativity and confidence as they explained why they love science and how it connects to their everyday lives. Their presentations showed clear thinking, real-world understanding and a genuine passion for learning.”
Congratulations to Hattie, Elsie and Alessa on this remarkable achievement. We are extremely proud to see our young scientists representing Kingsley with such enthusiasm and creativity!