Just spent last evening reflecting on a most rewarding day judging a science competition with our partners, Science Oxford. Playforce were delighted to donate a Poddely Kit or a Discovery Flow Wall, as first prize in their annual competition for budding scientists within the surrounding counties of their excellent museum in Oxford. Well worth a visit!

The enthusiasm and commitment of the Science Oxford staff was inspiring and the standard of presentations from children, as young as 5 years old, was outstanding. As a lapsed scientist myself, it was heart-warming to listen to fact-finding, problem-solving, observations and conclusions, all delivered with such passion. The diversity of experiments was astounding and involved skateboarding, fruit throwing, cymbals, eye-tests and many other creative resources. After almost two hours deliberation, the boys of St Aloysius won first prize, with their experiment involving ants and sweets, just a smidgen ahead of the girls of West Oxford and their water displacement project.

However, following my reflections, two conclusions came to mind. Firstly, I hope one day I shall be as natural and competent as the children when presenting in front of a scary audience and, secondly, choosing a ‘winner’ on such an inspiring day felt secondary to the realisation that everyone involved was a winner at such an uplifting event!