Big Bang Returns To Pembrokeshire!
Primary and secondary school pupils from all over Pembrokeshire and beyond experienced one of Britain’s foremost science events for children on their doorstep this week – the Big Bang.
More than 300 pupils visited Big Bang Pembrokeshire, which was held at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock and sponsored solely by Valero.
“Big Bang Pembrokeshire is part of a programme of UK-wide events which gets children excited about science, technology, engineering and maths,” said David Thomas, manager of the BIC.
“Thanks to our new sponsor Valero, we had a fantastic expanded range of workshops and fun-filled shows, which really enthused and inspired the children.”
This year’s theme was Digital Literacy and the event included workshops on BBC MicroBit, coding and nuclear fusion, as well as Bloodhound, Darwin Experience’s Living Light, Night Sky’s planetarium, Crumble and F1 in schools. Science Made Simple added some whizz and bang to proceedings with their engaging, interactive shows.
Valero Refinery Public Affairs Manager Stephen Thornton, said, “Encouraging the next generation to become enthusiastic about STEM subjects is key to Pembrokeshire’s future success, and Valero Pembroke Refinery is delighted to be able to support this wonderful event that hopefully does just that.”
Lamphey School was just one of the many primary schools which attended, and headteacher Simon Thomas said the children had enjoyed an excellent learning experience which they had ‘not stopped talking about’.
He added: “I firmly believe in the potential of events such as Big Bang to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. Activities such as these have the power to trigger young people’s imaginations and have a huge impact on them in terms of their future careers. I’ve seen the effects of it first-hand in my family.”
Other visitors also gave excellent feedback, with one contributor saying: “The staff and lecturers were brilliant and the content of the workshops were outstanding.”
Big Bang Pembrokeshire is a partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council, Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW), Darwin Experience, Fab Lab Pembrokeshire, and Aberystwyth University, as well as many STEM ambassadors who kindly supported the event.
Captions
Launching Big Bang Pembrokeshire at the BIC with local pupils are (left to right): Steve Lane from EESW; Cllr Keith Lewis, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities; Stephen Thornton; Cllr David Lloyd, Cabinet Member for Education; Alastair Birch, Senior System Leader for Equalities and Safeguarding, and David Thomas.
David Thomas, manager of the BIC, with pupils from Ysgol Gelli Aur /Golden Grove Community School.
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