West Exe School recently hosted a dynamic and enriching science festival, made possible through generous support and funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry. The one-day event brought science to life for students, highlighting its vital role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Throughout the festival, students took part in a wide range of interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and inspiring careers talks. Sessions focused on key themes including green careers, climate change, and the role of scientific innovation and artificial intelligence in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The event also provided valuable opportunities for students to connect with representatives from colleges, universities, and industry, giving them insight into future pathways and helping them explore the many possibilities within science-related careers.

An exciting line-up of guest speakers shared their expertise and experiences with students, including Dr Karen Marshall and Cecilia Golborne, who all helped to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Dr Marshall is the Head of Science and Chemistry at The Ladies College in Guernsey and Secretary of Peninsula Section for the Royal Society of Chemistry. Cecilia Golborne is a former research project manager, current Royal Society of Chemistry scholar and Chemistry teacher at West Exe School.

Dr Bernd Eggen also exhibited at the festival, he is a climate change adaptation specialist and senior environmental public health scientist working at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), together with his colleague Dr Kirsten Rivelin; they demonstrated a mosquito trap which is used to survey types of mosquitoes now being found in the UK because of climate change, which can transmit dangerous diseases. In his Chemistry days, Dr Eggen was a member of the Nobel Prize Team for Chemistry for the discovery of Carbon-60 buckminsterfullerene, a new form of carbon shaped like a football (more technically: a truncated icosahedron), which established the area of nano-technology, with carbon nanotubes now being used for new super-strong materials and in the future perhaps for space-elevators.

The festival was a resounding success, with students fully engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day, gaining a deeper understanding of how science can shape their futures and the world around them. West Exe School, which is part of theTed Wragg Trust, continues to place a strong emphasis on providing enriching experiences that broaden horizons, raise aspirations, and connect learning to real-world opportunities.

Julie Fossey, headteacher at West Exe School, said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience science beyond the classroom and see how it connects to the world around them. The festival encouraged critical thinking and helped students understand the important role they can play in shaping a more sustainable future. We are incredibly grateful to the Royal Society of Chemistry and our guest speakers for making the day so memorable.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“It is wonderful to see our students so engaged with the scientific innovation, challenges and opportunities shaping our world today while also gaining insight into future careers. This festival is a brilliant example of how schools can ignite curiosity, inspire the next generation to think ambitiously and empower young people to make a positive difference in the world. Thank you to everyone who helped make the festival such a success.”