Big Bang event creates an explosive atmosphere

The fair attracted nearly 2000 eager students from across the south west to participate in one of the largest events of its kind regionally. The emphasis was on interaction and the chance to explore the wide range of careers and opportunities in the field of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  

More than 50 industry experts volunteered to judge nearly 100 student projects with the very best projects being selected to represent the south west at the prestigious finals of the ‘National Science and Engineering Competition’ to be held at the Big Bang UK in March 2016.

A huge interactive exhibition hall with over 80 local, national and international organisations, including Western Power Distribution, MET Office, South West Water, TDK, and AnTech Ltd, were represented.  These companies were on hand to share their expertise and enthusiasm and it certainly inspired those attending.

In addition 550 young people took part in a 'Mega Class'.  Led by the National Space Academy and sponsored by Western Power Distribution, this was a unique experience which saw every student take part in experiments led by some of the UK’s best science presenters.  This year’s students explored the science of getting into space, a challenge that will be tackled by British astronaut Tim Peake this November. 

Paul Bishop, WPD’s Corporate Communications Manager said: “We are delighted to support the Mega Class. Events like this are a fantastic way to encourage young people to think about careers in engineering.  As a leading employer in the South West, the Midlands and Wales employing over 6,000 staff and employing around  100 apprentices each year, this event is an ideal opportunity for us to meet and talk to youngsters about their futures and get them thinking about what sort of career path they would like to take.”

This year will be the final time it’s hosted by the University of Exeter, before it moves to a new venue in 2016.

Emma Stephenson, Head of Widening Participation and UK Student Recruitment, University of Exeter added: “We were delighted to welcome so many enthusiastic young people, teachers and guests to the University of Exeter campus for the Big Bang South West. Visitors had the opportunity to meet some of our researchers and see for themselves the exciting, cutting edge science that takes place here at the University and across the South West. The event was once again a fantastic day out and we’d like to thank everyone who helped to make it such a success.”

Education Business Partnership – South West (EBP-SW), part of CSW Group, who organised the event, heralded it as a huge success. Paul Hobson, CSW’s CEO, said: “Each year The Big Bang seems to gets better and we are amazed at the scale and ambition of the student projects.  The team has once again been overwhelmed by the level of interest and enthusiasm young people have for science, technology, engineering and maths. The range of employers present confirms the optimism we should have in our STEM based industries and the career opportunities they offer.”

Alex Ledbrooke, Partnership Manager EBP-SW added: “The Big Bang Fair South West highlights to us all us that STEM offers an exciting wealth of opportunities, not just internationally but also here in the south west too.  Nationally and locally businesses are facing skills gaps.  Today was about recognising and celebrating the talents that exist in the south west and helping students to recognise the opportunities available to them.  I’d like to thank everyone who attended, the companies that played such a vital part in making in an important aspect of regions annual calendar, and to all the winners, and the teams that competed – everyone was a winner today!”

The ten project winners from the south west region going through to the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition in March 2016 are;  Hele’s School, Wadebridge School, Wadham School, Testbourne Community School, Tavistock College, KEVICC (King Edward VI Community College), Devonport High School for Boys, and Devonport High School for Girls.