Students reach final of science competition

TWO students from Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre have reached the finals of a science and engineering competition.

The Year 12 pupils from the school will now take their place in this year’s The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition.

Jessica Clark and Kelly Warrington have been announced as two of the winners of the regional heats at The

Big Bang East Midlands.

Jessica’s project was entitled ‘Natural Born Killers’, looking at how we can use essential oils from certain plants to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria, with an overall aim to demonstrate that easily accessible plants can be used to eliminate bacteria.

Kelly’s work was called Plant Bioluminescence, where she carried out research into what causes bioluminescence in sea creatures and how we can replicate this in plant life.

Being able to make plants grow will give us an insight into how we can make the future more sustainable.

Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK, said: “The students from Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre really impressed the judges with their projects and we’re excited to see how they do at the UK finals.

“It is a huge achievement to progress to this stage of the competition and Jessica and Kelly should be incredibly proud to take up their place and compete at The Big Bang Fair in March 2020.”

The fair is a source of STEM inspiration for young people, providing opportunities for young visitors, their teachers and parents to get hands-on with a wide range of activities, workshops and shows.

They will engage in meaningful career conversations with professionals, all designed to bring classroom learning to life and inspire the next generation.

The event takes place at Birmingham’s NEC, where the students will compete for top prizes including the coveted title of GSK UK Young Engineer and GSK UK Young Scientist of the Year.