Science rewards (From Penarth Times)

Science rewards

YSGOL Erw'r Delyn in Penarth has been shortlisted as one of nine schools in the UK and Republic of Ireland to go through to the final of the Rolls-Royce Science Prize teaching awards programme - which carries prize money of 15,000.

Rolls-Royce has already awarded 5,000 to Ysgol Erw'r Delyn to put its teaching plan into practice.

It will provide a digital video camera and training for the teachers to record progress as well as coaching in project management and a specialist mentor.

Lisa Rees, Special Education Needs teacher at Ysgol Erw'r Delyn, and team leader, said: "We are very proud and excited to be a finalist in the Rolls-Royce Science Prize.

"Our teachers are continually looking for ways to enhance science teaching amongst our pupils and this is a terrific opportunity to make our ideas a reality."

The nine shortlisted teams will implement their proposals over 24 weeks beginning in September. A panel of science education advisers will judge the results which will be announced in June 2006.

The Rolls-Royce Science Prize winning school or college will be awarded a further 15,000 and the team members will receive a special day out with the Red Arrows aeronautical team at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. The runner-up team will receive 10,000.

Sir John Rose, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, said: "As a country, we desperately need to see an enthusiasm for technology and the sciences being rekindled among our young people.

"High technology companies like Rolls-Royce depend upon the skills and imagination of teachers who can do this, and we hope our Science Prize will help promote the critical work they do.