School sweeps board in UK competition

Aug 8 2008 Chester Chronicle

A GROUP of Year 10 pupils beat the nation’s schools by grabbing first, second and third places in a science podcast competition.

Neston High School pupils swept the board by producing entries that competition organisers say were to a “particularly impressive” standard.

Cancer Research UK had invited pupils from all over the country to take part in recording their own science podcasts, choosing to cover a range of health issues. GCSE students could choose topics concerning diet and cancer, sunbeds, cervical cancer vaccinations and banning smoking.

Winners Natalie Jones, Alex Rigby, Matty Burton and Blaithin Settle produced a podcast on whether under 18s should be allowed to use sunbeds, while a podcast on diet and cancer rewarded James Smith, Ryan McCready and Jonathan Howard with the runners-up position.

Blaithin Settle, Hannah Newall and Natalie Young also did a podcast on the use of sunbeds by the under 18s, winning them third prize.

Ana Roslan, head of biology at the school, said: “I am absolutely thrilled they have all done so well. They are a delightful group and this is a real reflection of all their hard work throughout the year.”

To reward their impressive efforts, the pupils won a digital camcorder, mp3 player and a web cam for their school. All winners also received a certificate from Cancer Research UK.

The judging panel included Radio One DJ Scott Mills, The Guardian’s science correspondent and podcaster Alok Jha and Cancer Research UK’s Dr Kat Arney, who presents the charity’s monthly podcast.