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Video: Hundreds take part in Big Bang fair
Hundreds of youngsters from schools across the area took part in a fun-filled day of interactive learning at New College Stamford today (Friday).
The college played host to the Big Bang fair, the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology and maths (STEM) for young people, and more than 300 school children from Lincolnshire, Rutland and Cambridgeshire turned out to try their hand at a range of activities.
Youngsters enjoyed looking at stars and planets in an inflatable planetarium, getting their hands on a vacuum powered rocket launcher and looking for evidence in a crime scene investigation workshop, as well as racing a hovercraft, testing out their co-ordination on a wall test and much more.
Pupils also met a number of special guests including Team GB hockey bronze medallist Dr Hannah MacLeod, and MasterChef semi-finalist and former New College Stamford student Aaron Ashmore, who held cooking demonstrations in the college’s kitchen.
College principal Andrew Patience said: “This really is an excellent event for the area and really highlights how science, technology, engineering and maths play a vital role in many varied careers.
“It’s fabulous to see all the children, from a range of schools, including private, special and state school, participate together in all the activities.
“I’ve also got involved myself. I’ve resuscitated a dog and had a go on the hovercraft, and I’m looking forward to giving the football a good kick in the speed measuring. It’s been tremendous.”
The event was one of 10 Big Bang fairs taking place across the country. It has been funded by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service.
Hockey player Dr Hannah MacLeod, who won the bronze medal with Team GB at London 2012, runs her own company A Word On Nutrition, which provides nutrition advice to individuals, teams and brands.
She was on hand to talk to youngsters about her work, as well as showing them her treasured medal.
She said: “It’s been great today and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“I’ve resuscitated a dog, launched rockets and had a go on the co-ordination wall.
“It’s all very interactive and the kids seem to have enjoyed themselves.
“I’ve got a background in science and STEM subjects are so important but it’s great to see the kids getting involved and having fun while learning.”
Chef Aaron Ashmore, who appeared on BBC Two’s MasterChef: The Professionals in December, said it was nice to come back to his former college and teach children what he had learned since moving down to London to work in one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants.
He said: “It’s really nice coming back to my roots here and showing off what I’ve learnt since I’ve been working in London.
“It’s nice to be recognised and teach the children here today how science is involved in cooking.”
Sam Niblock, 14, from The Deepings School, was keen to try out many activities.
He said: “It’s a really good event and there’s a great atmosphere. It’s really interesting and there’s lots going on.
“I’ve learnt how fireworks were first made, flown a hovercraft, and held an Olympic medal.”
Penny Skipper, 15, from Stamford High School, also enjoyed the day.
She said: “It’s really good and there’s lots of different things to do.
“It’s great because you’re learning and it’s much better than a day at school.”
For more information about the Big Bang, visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk.
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Weather for Stamford
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
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