Schools and Colleges hail another successful Big Bang Northants

Silverstone was alive with experiments, explosions and excitement as the third annual Big Bang Northants lived up to its name.

Organised in partnership with the University of Northampton and Learn By Design; more than 3000 children and teens from schools and colleges across Northamptonshire flocked to the home of British Motorsport to discover more about science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.

Held on Wednesday 27 February at Silverstone Circuit, children between the ages of 10 and 16 took part in workshops and presentations, and received a wide range of career information from both local and national employers.

Young people had the opportunity to learn how the science of podiatry, engineering and technology goes hand-in-hand with media, photography, music and psychology.

Combining fun with learning, there were a host of activities that sparked the visitors’ imaginations including rocket building, robot rumble, photography lessons and a Santa Pod raceway experience.

Lecturers and students from subjects including computing, engineering, podiatry, midwifery, economics, psychology, research, logistics, sports journalism, media, music, photography, sociology and bio medical science were on hand at the event to offer advice to future students.

Angela Channell, senior science technician at Huxlow Science College, said: “Thank you for a fantastic day, which was really well organised before the event and on the day. The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some of the contacts we were able to make for the school will be invaluable for future school events.

“The best part of the day for me was bumping into an ex-pupil in his full paramedic uniform representing the university, which just proves our students can do really well once they leave us.”

Linda Davis-Sinclair, Schools Engagement Lead at the University of Northampton, said: “We were delighted to host the Big Bang Northants again this year and welcome so many of its county’s schools to take part.  The buzz of excitement was very infectious and it was great to see the young people engaging in the fun, exciting and challenging activities.  It is so important to offer hands-on events like this to encourage their interest in the STEAM subjects and to give them the opportunity to explore a wide range of career options.”