WYEDEAN School and Sixth Form Centre started its FameLab Academy journey this week, with the winning student destined to compete in the countywide final organised by Cheltenham Science Festival.

FameLab Academy is a competition for Year 9 students in Gloucestershire, sponsored by EDF Energy.

Students have just three minutes to explain a scientific topic in a dynamic and engaging way to a panel of judges who will adjudicate the presentations based on their content, clarity and charisma.

FameLab Academy is a sister competition to Cheltenham Festivals’ international FameLab competition which discovers and promotes the best new voices in science, technology and engineering and is currently hosted in 27 countries.

Stuart Motson at Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre said: “We’re delighted to take part in FameLab Academy because the competition is a fantastic opportunity for all students to shine.

“Students have a free choice of STEM topic so often they surprise us with their innovative and original ideas. Last year we had students delivering brilliantly researched talks on Black Holes, Static Electricity, Optical Illusions and Mobile Phone Technology.”

Each FameLab Academy school is matched with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) mentor trained in public engagement who will visit the school and work with students. The winner from each school receives a two-day Communication Masterclass, a work placement in a local STEM company and entry into the Gloucestershire final.

Every participating student has the opportunity to achieve a British Science Association CREST Bronze Award and will learn about potential careers in the STEM industry. Through the work placement and careers presentation, the winning student can achieve a CREST Silver Award.

Ali Mawle, education director at Cheltenham Festivals, said: “FameLab Academy is revolutionising science education in the county and changing students’ hearts and minds about STEM subjects.

“Through FameLab Academy workshops, students are given the tools to communicate and as a result their confidence soars, and through links with industry and the British Science Association CREST Awards, FameLab is very relevant to real life and the students’ futures.”