Year 8 Students Spark Curiosity at Big Bang Fair 2025

Date: 18th June 2025
Location: NEC Birmingham

A group of 56 enthusiastic Year 8 students, accompanied by five dedicated staff members—Mr. J. Chan, Ms. L. Willets-White, Mr. T. Baiden, Ms. D. Mehta, and Ms. L. Omar—embarked on an exciting STEM trip to the Big Bang Fair 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham. This annual event is the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) for young people, aiming to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Throughout the day, students were immersed in live stage shows and hands-on activities that brought science to life—from witnessing incredible demonstrations with snakes and cockroaches to solving escape-room challenges themed around sustainability and energy.

Students explored cutting-edge exhibits and took part in a wide variety of interactive experiences, including:

• Drone football and robot coding challenges

• Engineering simulations led by Rolls-Royce

• 3D printing and AI in healthcare

• Space technology and sustainability puzzles

The fair also offered students the chance to interact with major companies such as BBC, EasyJet, Playground Games, National Highways, Pixelia, and the V&A, gaining insights into real-world STEM careers. Sessions like "Guess Who?" challenged stereotypes and helped students discover unexpected career paths.

The impact of the day was clear from the students’ reactions:

Ongon"The trip was wonderful. I learnt how robot dogs could be programmed to navigate their surroundings and that strong protection, like hand sanitiser, can fight off viruses. It was an incredible experience!"

Wicktoria"I had fun participating in so many different activities—learning about bones, radioactivity, technology, and even how hip implants work. The free goodies were a bonus!"

Arisha"The trip felt like a reward after exams—relaxing and unforgettable. I’m so grateful for the opportunity, and I hope others get to experience it too."

Lilith"It was one of my favourite trips. I got to touch a snake, learn about gecko tape and circuits, and explore medical tech. I loved how kind the teachers were and how amazing the inventions were."

Zarwa"I liked how interactive everything was. It wasn’t just about science—it connected to so many other subjects."

Other students highlighted their favourite moments, from testing their reaction speeds and using 3D pens to learning how AI is transforming work and discovering how hip implants function. The variety of experiences, from workshops to explosions, sparked excitement and curiosity in all who attended.

The Big Bang Fair 2025 offered a memorable and inspiring day, expanding students’ horizons and showing them the incredible possibilities within the world of STEM.