Dozens of pupils enjoy practical science challenge at Hymers College
BUDDING SCIENTISTS: Newland School for Girls competing at Hymers College
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
More than 50 pupils from schools across Hull and the East Riding took part in the inaugural science triathlon at Hymers College.
Practical challenges were set in biology, chemistry and physics for Year 10 pupils from 11 schools, including St Mary’s College, South Hunsley School, Withernsea High School and Kingswood Academy. They were mentored by Hymers’ sixth form students throughout the competition.
Steven Williams, Director of STEM (science, technology, English and Maths) at Sirius Academy North, said: “The science triathlon has furthered our pupils’ love of science, giving them a goal to aim towards and opening their eyes to possibilities in their future that they probably wouldn’t have imagined beforehand.
“It’s great for them to have this experience at Hymers College. When you’re teaching day to day, you don’t have the opportunity to do things like this. To be able to really stretch and challenge our pupils is fantastic.”
Luke Fuller, a science teacher at Holderness Academy, said: “The competition added a new aspect to our pupils’ learning. It’s allowed them to experience something new and to do some wackier experiments.
“Our pupils enjoyed using the new facilities at Hymers, as well as having a peek at some of the old equipment that has been saved from the school’s history.”
Hymers College headmaster Justin Stanley said: “We pride ourselves on being a part of our community, and what better way than to open our doors to other local schools.
“Having recently refurbished our science laboratories, it was a pleasure to see lots of new people enjoying them.
“All of the schools did an amazing job and we can’t wait to see the winners collect their prizes at an awards ceremony on February 6.”
Hull-based companies Wood and Cargill, Croda in Goole and Phillips 66 in Immingham sponsored the triathlon challenge and awards ceremony.
Emily Pennack, development manager at Hymers College, said: “We are incredibly lucky to have such an engaged employer and alumni community. Our Old Hymerians have shown support for a wide range of activities, from events to bursaries supporting pupils through their time here at Hymers.
“As well as heavily supporting our students and school events, our alumni are often panellists at our HymersCAN (Careers and Networking) events throughout the year, which are designed for any local students in years 10 to 13 to get the inspiration and knowledge they need to succeed in a range of careers.
Hymers College, based in Hull, opened in 1893 and this year celebrates 35 years of girls and boys studying together. With the recent addition of Hymers Hessle Mount, the independent school now welcomes students from the age of three to 18.