We are incredibly proud of Charlotte R (Year 8), Alexander M (Year 7), and Viya V (Year 7), who represented St Gabriel’s brilliantly in the final of the Why I Love Science essay competition. Hosted by the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell on Friday 13 December 2024, the event showcased the talent and enthusiasm of young scientists from across the region.

From over 150 entries, Charlotte, Alexander, and Viya were selected as three of the 16 finalists—a fantastic achievement! For the final, the students prepared engaging two-minute video presentations explaining why they love science.

The evening kicked off with time spent exploring the Visitors’ Centre and its fascinating exhibits, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the ISIS particle accelerator. Families, staff, and finalists then enjoyed a buffet dinner before attending two inspiring talks by scientists working at RAL. The highlight of the evening was watching the finalists’ videos, each filled with creativity and passion for science.

Although our students did not take home the top prize, they performed exceptionally well and should be very proud of their achievements. Their participation is a testament to their dedication and the support of our Science Department. Special thanks to Dr Saynor, Mrs Ali and Mr Smith, who supported the students both in person and online during the event.

Congratulations again to Charlotte, Alexander, and Viya for reaching the finals and representing St Gabriel’s with distinction. We are excited to see how their passion for science will continue to grow and inspire others!