FOUR pupils from a York secondary school have made it through to the UK final of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition after wowing judges at the regional heats.

Year 7 students Kaitlin How, Beth Suckling, Evie Bradley and Katie Marsden, who all go to Fulford School, impressed the judges with their allergy detection monitor concept – a device that would monitor blood chemicals and alert the user if they needed medication.

They will go on to join over 200 other project teams from across the UK in the finals, which take place during The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair at the Birmingham NEC, March 2017.

The competition is an annual contest designed to recognise and reward young people’s achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as helping them build skills and confidence in project-based work.

The competition is open to 11-18-year-olds, and gives participants the chance to compete for top prizes such as international experiences worth over £50,000 and prestigious awards such as UK Young Scientist and UK Young Engineer of the Year.

Commenting on Kaitlin, Beth, Evie and Katie’s success, Paul Jackson, chief executive of EngineeringUK, which organises the competition said:

“This year’s entries to The Big Bang Competition highlight how talented the UK’s young scientists and engineers are. It’s easy to see why this project has secured a place at the national finals. We’re now excited about seeing all the finalists come together at The Fair in March, where they will have the chance to impress the judges and inspire other young visitors.”

“Congratulations to Fulford School and good luck for March.”

Alan Jobson from Fulford School said: “Having the opportunity to put theory into practice has been great fun and has given the team an idea of just how interesting a career in science could be. The project has also helped the students develop technical skills and learn how to work well together as a team. To be through to the national final is the icing on the cake – the team can’t wait to show off our project again and hope to come back from the UK finals in March with an award!”

Online entries are still open until November 20 for people keen to take part. For more information visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/competition

Meanwhile a student from Northallerton School also made it through to the final. Year 7 student Zach Haynes impressed the judges with his daily online accounts of his exploration of nature and the fantastic countryside in Yorkshire.