futures APRIL 2009
futures12 SCHOOLS
Young scientist's winning formula
Proving that engineering
for girls isn't all hot air
A
YOUNG scientist from Cockermouth
School competed in the UK's first
national science and engineering fair
this month.
Alyx Petre, 18, of Maple Close, Maryport,
attended the Big Bang Fair, held at the
Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in
London.
The fair ran from Wednesday, March 4 to
Friday, March 6.
Around 9,000 people turned up to the
event and more than 200 students
exhibited a range of science and
engineering projects.
Two youngsters were due to be crowned
UK Young Scientist of the Year and UK
Young Technologist of the Year at the fair.
The winners will receive �5,000, a laptop
computer, an international trip and the
chance to represent UK youth science and
engineering events in the UK and abroad.
The event came as an introduction to
National Science and Engineering Week,
which ran from March 6 until March 15.
Exhibitions, shows and workshops that
showcase UK research and the career
opportunities that science and technology
have to offer were also at the fair.
Alyx said: "I have worked at React
Engineering and Lakes College West
Cumbria and had to do a lot of extra work
at home to put things together, such as
presentations for the event.
"I have been interested in engineering
since a very early age and am hoping to
study it at Newcastle University next year."
MAKING AN IMPACT: Alyx Petre (left) with
teacher Emma Howard
S
CHOOLGIRLS from across
West Cumbria are building
their own their own flying
machines this week as part of
a project to get more girls into
engineering.
Around 80 secondary school students
are taking part in a design-and-build
hovercraft task which challenges the idea
that men make better engineers.
The 14 and 15-year-olds are
transforming the school hall at Southfield
Technology College into a workshop,
test-track and runway on which they will
test-drive their hand-built machines.
Aimhigher Cumbria funded the highly
successful project which is in its fourth
year. The girls will work in teams and are
encouraged to come up with innovative
ideas about how to build the craft �
consequently developing their teamwork,
practical and problem-solving skills.
Engineering ambassadors from
Cumbria Stem Centre and students from
The University of Manchester are also on
hand to offer advice and practical help.
The project is one of a number developed
by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical
Sciences, at the University of Manchester,
to bring science, engineering and
technology to life in schools in the North.
Sue Donnelly from Aimhigher said:
"We want to encourage young women to
have confidence in their ability to become
engineers. This event is designed to help
them recognise the skills they have and to
get them thinking about studying at
degree level. Female graduates and
students from the university were there
as role models to inspire the girls."
Beacon Hill Community School, Solway
Community Technology College,
Southfield Technology College, Stainburn
Science College, St Joseph's School, St
Benedict's Catholic High School,
Whitehaven School, Cockermouth School
and West Lakes Academy all took part.
VT Nuclear Services invests in future generations
STORY TIME: VT Nuclear Services employee
Michael McLoughlin reads to children from
Haile Playgroup during a recent visit to donate
funds to the group.
A
WEST Cumbrian nuclear company
has given a welcome boost to local
toddlers after donating
much-needed cash towards new
equipment.
VT Nuclear Services, which has offices on
the Sellafield reactor site and Westlakes
Science Park employing around 240 people,
donated �700 to the Haile Playgroup,
Egremont.
John Chubb, managing director of VT
Nuclear Services, visited the under fives
playgroup with colleague Michael
McLoughlin whose son attends the
playgroup. They met playgroup leader
Anne Mawson and some of the children.
John said: "I am delighted, on behalf of
VT Nuclear Services, to be able to support
the excellent work of Haile Playgroup.
"VT Nuclear Services strive to work with
the local communities we operate in, not
just through donations such as this, but also
through the time, efforts and goodwill of
our people."
The money will be used to buy a climbing
frame and safety mat for the group.
Anne Mawson said: "Donations such as
this are a big bonus for the playgroup. The
new equipment paid for by VT Nuclear
Services will help aid the physical
development of the children � an
important part of the early years
curriculum."
FLASHBACK: A
student from last
year's `Girls in
Aerospace
Hovercraft
Challenge'
DIY HOVERCRAFT
GIVES IDEA LIFT

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