1. www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest The Big Bang Fair, Birmingham, March 2015

2. Investigate a research area in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths. Pupil led project. 10 hours study minimum. Independent STEM based projects for students. Bronze award is the focus for KS3 students at Year 7 and 8 here at Bothal Middle School.

3. 1. July 2014, NE Regional Big Bang Fair, Northumbria University, as Year 8 students from Bothal Middle School. 2. March 2015, National Big Bang Fair, Birmingham to present to judges, the general public and even the Prime Minister as Year 9 students from Ashington High School.

4. AkzoNobel’s business support: Key focus = to work alongside the students in Birmingham to ensure their entries stood out. Alex Wardle, site support coordinator, assisted the trio with concepts and design planning for the display stands and advice for their presentations to the judges. Alex also travelled to Birmingham with Chris, Jess & Tara.

5. Christopher Dodds-Scarr: Investigation into transfer of germs in ball sports. Jessica Mather: At what age do we lead the fittest lifestyle? Tara Blyth: How does diet affects intensity of symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease? Each student will give a summary of their project, explain a personal highlight of the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham and what it meant to them as an individual to have AkzoNobel’s support and mentoring on the project.

6. Surprise/additional outcomes Some fantastic coverage in the local and national media. Difficulties of getting hold of the Sunday Telegraph Magazine supplement in the North! Also, special commendation and prize winner in our ranks!