YOUNG scientists from a Dorchester school will battle it out at the national final of a competition.

Five students from Year 13 at the Thomas Hardye School wowed judges at the regional heats of the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition.

Emily McFarlane, Jonathan Hoare, Alfred Dal Din and Joshua Doherty, all 18, and Joshua Nugent, 17, impressed the judges with their studies into the radiation levels experienced by astronaut Tim Peake in the International Space Station during his six month mission and what might be causing an area of high radiation over the South Atlantic.

They will go on to join over 200 other project teams from across the UK in the finals, which take place during The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair at the Birmingham NEC, in March 2017. 

The Big Bang Competition is an annual contest designed to recognise and reward young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as helping them build skills and confidence in project-based work.

The competition is open to 11 to 18 year olds, and gives participants the chance to compete for top prizes such as international experiences worth over £50,000 and prestigious awards such as GSK Young Scientist and UK Young Engineer of the Year. 

Paul Jackson, chief executive of EngineeringUK, which organises the competition, said: “This year’s entries to The Big Bang Competition highlight how talented the UK’s young scientists and engineers are. It’s easy to see why this project has secured a place at the national finals. We’re now excited about seeing all the finalists come together at The Fair in March, where they will have the chance to impress the judges and inspire other young visitors.”

“Congratulations to Emily, Jonathan, Alfred, Joshua and Joshua and good luck for March.”

Judith Wardlaw, industry partnership development manager at The Thomas Hardye School, added: “Having the opportunity to put theory into practice has been great fun and has given the team an idea of just how interesting a career in the sciences could be. The project has also helped the students develop technical skills and learn how to work well together as a team. To be through to the national final is the icing on the cake – the team can’t wait to show off their projects again and hope to come back from the UK finals in March with an award."

For more information visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/competition