PUPILS at Pensby High School were named finalists at the BP Ultimate STEM Challenge at the Science Museum in London.

The national competition launched by BP Educational Service in partnership with STEM Learning in June last year to challenge students aged 11 to 14 to put their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to the test by tackling real energy problems.

Schools from around the country took part in the competition for a chance to win an ultimate STEM experience and £500 for their school.

Pensby High’s Bethan Snutch, Kieran Jones, Leo Metcalfe and Lucy Halder developed their best ideas for the ‘Brilliant Biogas challenge’ where they had to build a system that generates biomethane from food waste.

Teacher Jen Taylor said: “When I found out that we were in the final, I was thrilled to tears.

“It’s definitely my proudest moment as a teacher.

“The students worked tirelessly on their project and they enjoyed getting their teeth into a new challenge.

“Their meticulous planning and precise preliminary experiments were just as exciting as the main practical itself.

“They have learned how to carefully carry out a scientific investigation from start to finish.

“These are all skills that will be vital during their triple science course, starting in September.

“The success of producing a flammable gas made us all feel like we had achieved something.

“The fact that their work has been recognised as being outstanding was simply the icing on the cake.”

The students missed out on the top spot at the event to Staffordshire’s Walton Priory School.

The competition’s judge, Chris Hillidge said: “We had a brilliant day with the Ultimate STEM Challenge finalists.

"This competition is a great way to encourage young people to engage with STEM and the array of careers you can access by studying STEM subjects.

“All the students deserve credit for their enthusiasm, innovation and teamwork.”