17th October 2023
Swindon Schools invited to join new FameLab Academy initiative. The organisers behind Swindon’s successful Festival of Tomorrow are issuing an invitation. It’s for local schools and STEAM professionals to sign up for an exciting initiative. One that aims to turn the tables on science communication to schools in Swindon and Wiltshire.
The team have joined forces with Cheltenham Science Festival. Together they’ll deliver the first ever UK regional pilot of their science communication initiative for secondary school students. The FameLab Academy.
FameLab Academy (FLA) is the sister competition to FameLab. That’s the largest, public-facing science communication competition and training programme in the world. Developed by Cheltenham Festivals, thirty-five counties have hosted FameLab.
FameLab Academy is the schools’ version for Year 9 students. The programme aims to develop young people as science communicators. It does that by:
- Increasing their scientific knowledge
- And building their confidence and communication skills.
The competition
In the competition, Year 9 students, supported by their teachers and a STEAM mentor from academia or industry, will prepare a three-minute presentation. With this presentation they’ll explain a scientific topic of their own choice in a dynamic and engaging way to a panel of judges.
The winner from each school will receive a science communication masterclass. They can use that to help them perfect their performance ahead of the Swindon and Wiltshire finals in March 2024.
Rod Hebden, Festival of Tomorrow director said:
‘We’re delighted to be able to bring FameLab Academy to schools in Swindon and Wiltshire. Whether you’re into art, programming, science, maths, engineering. Or if you simply like performing this could be for you. FameLab Academy gives all Year 9 students a chance to shine. It’s a brilliant initiative that’s already inspired thousands of students in Gloucestershire. So we can’t wait to see what Swindon and Wiltshire students bring to the finals in March 2024.
Participating schools will receive all the resources they need to take part. And that’s including FameLab Academy and science communication training for teachers.
The organisers are also keen to hear from local STEAM professionals who’d like to help inspire students by volunteering as a mentor for a participating school.
To find out more and register interest, schools and prospective mentors should contact louisehalliday@newelements.uk
