On Tuesday 8^th July three year 9 pupils took their science projects to the Rolls Royce Innovation Awards 2008 at Bath University. The annual Innovation Awards give schools and students the opportunity to take part in this exciting event, which celebrates creativity in Science and Design & Technology.

Projects can also be entered for the BA CREST Awards (BA - British Association for the Advancement of Science; CREST 'CREativity in Science and Technology') at this event. This national awards scheme for secondary school projects, recognises and rewards students' achievements in science, engineering and technology, with three levels – Bronze (reflecting about 10 hours project time per student), Silver (40 hours) and Gold (linked with industry) for students between the ages of 11 and 19.

Stephanie Foy, Daniel Stephens and Ed Dumpleton represented their teams by presenting posters and research of their work, as well as 3-D models and displays. Stephanie, (researched with Charlotte Martin and Stuart Cullen), presented their project “Catastrophic Comets”, Daniel presented a project on “Beach Pollution”, compiled with Jack Wills, and Ed presented “Acid Erosion on Teeth”, developed with Joe Mesnard, Ciaran Davis and Cameron Halkett. Pupils had completed the work during Monday activities or during lunchtimes to ensure their projects reached the required standard.

Stephanie, Daniel and Ed faced gruelling questions by scientists from industry about their work and demonstrated secure knowledge and scientific understanding in their responses. Competing against over 100 science projects, Ed’s team was awarded one of 10 Rolls-Royce Innovation Awards, with certificates and cash prizes for the team’s work on “Acid Erosion”. All nine students were awarded BA CREST Bronze award certificates for their projects and their work will be on display in the Wessex Science Centre.