They joined teams from 12 other Hull, East Riding and North Lincolnshire schools at the initial stage of the event in January. This saw more than 50 year 10 students complete a series of science practical experiments alongside a written assessment.

With the support of Hymers’ sixth form students, who acted as mentors throughout the competition, participants were tasked with completing challenges in biology, chemistry and physics which covered topics including respiration and electronics.

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. We selected students based on their enthusiasm 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.”

To recognise the talents and achievements of those who participated in the triathlon, Hymers College recently held a celebration evening which saw dozens of students and their families welcomed back to the college for an awards ceremony to celebrate their successes. 

Securing a bronze award was participant Elizabeth C, who said of the experience: “The whole day was challenging but fun. We started with an all-sciences A Level test. This was followed by a chemistry challenge where we had to identify eight unknown solutions through testing. Our school and Hornsea School were the only two teams to figure out all eight.

“After chemistry, we moved on to a physics challenge where we built a circuit to show how different resistors work. This was followed by biology where we were given a simplified method for an experiment and had to improve it. This involved testing yeast in different water temperatures and measuring how much gas was released.”

Fellow team member Ellie-Rose T won a silver award, while Sam B and Olivia B both won gold. Olivia was also the recipient one of 12 named-awards on the evening, taking home the Croda ‘Improving Lives’ Independent Award for Sustainability.

Praising the team Dr Emma Finer, said: “I am very proud of what our students have achieved, especially their excellence in the chemistry section. On the day, they worked hard and put one hundred per cent effort in and this is clearly shown in the awards they have achieved. The Science Triathlon is a challenging event involving aspects of A Level learning and I am very proud of our students’ success.”

Daisy Gearing, head of science, added: “Well done to the students who took part. Their dedication and perseverance truly paid off and resulted in them securing worthy recognition at the awards evening. This is testament to their hard work and passion for science, proving that knowledge, problem-solving and determination can lead to success. I hope the students enjoy this well-deserved victory and may it be the first of many more to come!”

The Science Triathlon is designed to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) as well as learning beyond the science curriculum. This year’s event and its subsequent celebration ceremony were sponsored by businesses including Croda, Reckitt and energy company, Phillips 66.

Henry Kilpatrick, company representative from Phillips 66, said: “Promoting STEM in schools is essential for encouraging the next generation of scientists and engineers. It's initiatives like these that give students a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead and help them discover their passions. Congratulations to Hymers College for spearheading this initiative. I hope it continues to grow and inspire many more students in the years to come.”

A spokesman for Hymers said: “This competition saw students complete a series of science practicals along with a written assessment. Our own year 12 students acted as team mentors on the day. The competition culminated in a celebration ceremony where the students returned to Hymers with their families to mark their success on the day.

“The 2025 Science Triathlon was kindly sponsored by both local and global businesses Phillips 66, Wood, Croda, Reckitt, Vuba, The John Good Group, Kalibrate and Doreen’s, without whose support this initiative would not be possible. Well done to all the students who took part on the day, and a big thank you to our sponsors for their support.”

ABOVE: The WHS Year 10 team (left to right) Sam B, Olivia B, Elizabeth C and Ellie-Rose T pictured completing one of the practicals at the Science Triathlon on Wednesday, January 22. 

ABOVE: Olivia B was the recipient of one of 12 named-awards at the subsequent awards evening, taking home the Croda ‘Improving Lives’ Independent Award for Sustainability. [Photo credit: Hymers College]

ABOVE: Students involved in the triathlon were invited back to Hymers on the evening of Tuesday, February 11, to celebrate successes with their families at a dedicated awards evening. [Photo credit: Hymers College]