The group, comprising Sebastian Gonzales, Matilda Peek, Rebekah Watkins and Horton Lane-Cole, joined more than 50 students from eleven other secondary schools at the inaugural event where they were tasked with completing hour-long practical challenges in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

With the support of Hymers’ Sixth Form students, who acted as mentors throughout the competition, participants soon got to grips with each of three practicals. These were followed by a written assessment, and a final one-hour individual assessment.  

Accompanying the students was Dr Emma Finer, Teacher of Science, who said: “As always, our student representatives were a credit to themselves and to the school. A number of staff commented on how hardworking and polite they were. It was a pleasure to accompany them on this trip.

“We selected students based on their enthusiasm and passion for Science; the skills they demonstrate in the classroom, and those who we believe have a bright future in Science. These are students who we knew would thrive at such an event thanks to their scientific knowledge, their hard work and their ability to work as a team.”

Hymers College Headmaster, Justin Stanley, said: “We pride ourselves on being a part of our community and what better way than to open our doors to other local schools. Having recently refurbished our science laboratories, it was a pleasure to see lots of new people enjoying them. All of the schools did an amazing job.”

To recognise the talents and achievements of those who participated in the triathlon, the college recently hosted a celebration ceremony which saw dozens of students and their families from across the region welcomed back to celebrate their successes. 

Withernsea students Matilda, Rebekah and Seb each received a Bronze award, while Horton secured silver and the Phillips 66 Independent Award for Health and Safety. Alongside the award presentations, visitors were also given the opportunity to explore the college’s recently refurbished science laboratories and get an insight into the activities the students undertook as part of the challenge.

Dr Finer said: “The awards evening was fantastic. At the ceremony it was commented on how high the standard was and how well all the students had done. The whole triathlon experience provided our students with a valuable opportunity to meet staff and students from other schools, and to also see where they could potentially study in the future – plus explore the many different directions they could take using Science as a foundation.”

Daisy Gearing, Head of Science at Withernsea High School, added: “I am so proud of our students who attended the Hymers Science Triathlon - they showed great determination and resilience. Science is an important part of our everyday lives, and giving young scientists opportunities and experiences outside of our school is an important way to broaden their horizons. My thanks go to Dr Finer and Mr Hoe for leading and supporting this experience, and congratulations to Matilda, Rebekah, Seb and Horton.”

Reflecting on the experience from a student perspective, participant Sebastian Gonzales said: “The day was good overall. The practicals were challenging and I enjoyed having a tour of the school in between different lessons, which was nice. I learned that it's a lot more fun working with teammates, rather than alone. Although, being alone can help you concentrate sometimes! I plan to study Chemistry at college, and maybe Physics too. I've never been a fan of Biology though!”

The triathlon challenge and its subsequent celebration ceremony were sponsored by Hull-based companies Wood and Cargill, Croda in Goole and Phillips 66 in Immingham.

Emily Pennack, Development Manager at Hymers College, said: “We are incredibly lucky to have such an engaged employer and alumni community. Our Old Hymerians have shown support for a wide range of activities, from events to bursaries supporting pupils through their time here at Hymers.

“As well as heavily supporting our students and school events, our alumni are often panelists at our HymersCAN (Careers and Networking) events throughout the year, which are designed for any local students in years 10 to 13 to get the inspiration and knowledge they need to succeed in a range of careers.”

Hymers College opened in 1893 and this year celebrates 35 years of girls and boys studying together. With the recent addition of Hymers Hessle Mount, the independent school now welcomes students from the age of 3 to 18.

Event photos courtesy of Hymers College.