Children galore, parents and friends turned up for Saturday’s Marlborough Science Fair, the third of its kind at St John’s School – and proved its most successful.
“We had a total of 2,200 there, which is the highest number ever,” said specialist college co-ordinator Sally Bere. “And so we were very pleased to have beaten last year’s attendance of 1,900.”
The fair, part of National Science and Engineering Week, originated out of desire to interest more children in the subjects, and it has more than proved its worth.
The first year St John’s won the top prize from the British Science Association for the best school fair in the country, earning it both recognition and a grant of £600 towards science activities.
Last year it finished in second place. “And we already we know we are in the top three schools to win the prize again,” said Sally. “But it will take a little while before we know the exact result.”
“The day was an enormous success enabling St John’s to provide a stimulating and inter-active family learning environment. It wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding contribution of staff, volunteers, external agencies and the St John’s students, all of whom helped.”
Events at the fair, sponsored by Cadley Garage, included hands on events in the school labs, a code breaking treasure hunt, Lego robotics, and an amazing planetarium show organised by Wiltshire Astronomical Society using its solar telescopes.
It was aimed at children from four upwards with subjects ranging from fossils and earth science, mechanics through the ages, a Wiltshire Heritage programme about Stonehenge and a chance to design your own glass using laser cutters.
Stalls were also set up promote the work of ARK (Action River Kennet) in protecting the rare chalk stream during the current drought conditions and the forthcoming Farmers’ Markets, due to launch on Sundays this summer in Marlborough High Street.
A selection of pics from the day below:
Used cooking oil fuels a good cuppa
