Big Bang London 2012: inspiring the future
13 July 2012
The best of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) came to Westminster Kingsway College for Big Bang London 2012. Over 1000 school students from across London and the South East took part in the event, which aims to excite, educate, stimulate and enthuse opportunities in the STEM industry.
Ortis Deley, from Trouble TV, Live & Kicking and The Gadget Show, and Rob Alexander, the College’s own “Mad Scientist” and Drama Tutor, hosted the event to inspire young people to follow careers in this rewarding field and to ensure London businesses have access to the skilled graduates in STEM that it needs.
Throughout the day, young people were inspired by the Bionic Man and his medical implants, Crime Scene Investigators, Classroom Medics warming up for the Olympics, Zebrafish from the Royal Veterinary College, Space Science by SEPnet, the Robogals Robot and leading businesses and organisations from across London.
They also heard from Professor John Perkins CBE FREng, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Business Innovation and Skills, Nick Baveystock, Director General, Institution of Civil Engineers and Robert Kirby-Harris, Chief Executive of the Institute of Physics between 2005 and 2012 and recently retired as Secretary General at the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). He is one of the founders of the Big Bang Fair and currently one of the directors of the Big Bang Education CIC.
Andy Wilson, Principal at Westminster Kingsway College, said: “We are delighted to host Big Bang London 2012 at Westminster Kingsway College. London firms are currently reporting serious problems in recruiting STEM-skilled employees. For London to maintain and improve its competitiveness it is vital that business has access to the skilled graduates it needs. Events such as Big Bang London combined with the training and courses the College provides, is an investment in London’s future and ensures that the UK is taking the step change in STEM skills that it needs.”
The Big Bang London Regional winners were:
•The Young Engineer for Britain Engineering Excellence Award
The Petersfield School, Emma Willett
• CREST Award for Creativity in a project, process or outcome
The Ursuline Academy Ilford
• CREST Award for Enthusiasm and Understanding of Real World Context
Riddlesdown Collegiate
•Institute of Physics Award for Physics
Ellen Wilkinson School and La Sainte Union School
• STEM Showcase Crick Award for Collaboration
Fort Pitt Grammar School
Ten Awards were given for entry to the National Science & Engineering Competition, the winners were:
The Petersfield School, Emma Willett
The Ursuline Academy Ilford, ‘The Science Angels’
Riddlesdown Collegiate
Newstead Wood School
St Paul’s School
Highgate School
La Sainte Union School
The King’s School Canterbury
Teddington School
The Ursuline Academy Ilford, ‘The Sustainables’
Click here to view the Big Bang London 2012 gallery
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