Hull and East Riding pupils take on Hymers College Science Challenge

More than 50 students from schools across Hull and the East Riding headed to Hymers College this week for their inaugural Science Triathlon.

Hymers College set practical challenges for the Year 10 pupils in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 11 schools competed in the Science Triathlon, 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 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 6 February.”

Hull-based companies Wood and Cargill, Croda in Goole and Phillips 66 in Immingham have sponsored the Science 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 panelists 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. We’re looking forward to the next event - HymersCAN Law - on Thursday 8 February.”

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 3 to 18. Book a tour and see for yourself.