80 pupils take part in Dereham high school’s science fair

80 pupils took part in Neatherd High School's science fair. Picture: Supplied by Neatherd High School. (Image: Archant)

An impressive and creative range of projects were on show, with students given the freedom to produce an invention or conduct an experiment in an area that interests them.

The standard was very high but it was the sheer variety of ages and abilities across the 80 pupils who took part which made this year's fair a particularly successful and fun event.

Five judges were in attendance for this years contest, which included representatives from Dow Chemical Company, the John Innes Centre, the Institute of Physics and RAF Marham.

The presence of these inspirational figures gave children the opportunity to ask them questions about their careers, providing an eye-opening insight into the jobs of the judges which could benefit the children in the future.

This years fair was especially hard to judge due to the outstanding results of the children's hard work and effort, however the judges eventually awarded the project Crystals with first place, The Five Senses second and The Dangers to Marine Life third.

The prestigious Mike Cripps Award, in honour of the former science teacher who died in 2011, was presented to 'prosthetics and me' and an additional 35 certificates were also given to other students who did an exceptional job.

Everybody received a goody bag and a badge to commemorate the day in an event which brought to life to the subject of science. The pupils displayed great enthusiasm to work so hard of their own accord to produce a project of their choice.

Jaime Mallett, deputy headteacher said: 'We would like to thank Mrs Sheldrake and the whole Science department for organizing such an amazing event. The number of exhibitors was extraordinary and the quality of their work impressive indeed.'

Is your school taking part in a special event? Email the details to daniel.bennett@archant.co.uk.