OKEHAMPTON College has been recognised for its role in promoting science for all pupils. Over the last year, the college has hosted lectures given by the Royal Institution ? the most recent was Pyromania, delivered to all of the Year 6 pupils from eleven feeder primary schools. The college was presented with a certificate issued by the Royal Institution recognising the college?s commitment to promoting science for all. The latest talk follows the college?s science day for primary school pupils. There were explosions of learning in the Octagon Theatre that day as around 250 youngsters had a taste of college life. The children were treated to a range of introductory activities, including the presentation on explosions by Dr Lowry of the Royal Institution of Science. Teacher Keith Webber, who liaised with the primary schools to organise the day, said the entertaining scientist had the children ?on the edge of their seats? as he took them through a number of dramatic experiments. The youngsters got to take part in some hands-on experiments, including one activity called Fizz and Bang based upon the popular TV programme Brainiac, a food testing activity, the interactive learning experience of Quizdom as well as looking at colour and optical illusions. The aim of the science day is to give Year 6 children from the feeder primaries a taste of what to expect next term as well as continuing to build links between the college and the schools. The college has just achieved its best ever results in Key Stage 3 SATs. In science tests, 85% of students achieved level five or above. There was a similar success story in mathematics, which recorded 84% at level five. That represented an improvement of around 8% on last year?s results. Mr Webber said this was the second year at the college had held such an introduction day for Year 6 students and this had been recognised as a county model for other schools to follow. Mr Webber said the wide range of experiments on offer was only made possible thanks to the hard work of science and technology and support staff. RIGHT: Keith Webber (left) with the college?s head of science Malcolm James. Picture by Ian Snell