PUPILS at Pensby High School have been announced as one of twelve finalists for the BP Ultimate STEM Challenge.

The national competition launched by BP Educational Service in partnership with STEM Learning in June last year to challenge students aged 11 to 14 to put their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to the test by tackling real energy problems.

Schools from around the country took part in the competition for a chance to win an ultimate STEM experience and £500 for their school.

Pensby High's Bethany, Kieran, Leo and Lucy developed their best ideas for the 'Brilliant Biogas challenge' where they had to build a system that generates biomethane from food waste.

Teacher Jen Taylor said: “When I found out that we were in the final, I was thrilled to tears.

"It’s definitely my proudest moment as a teacher.

“The students worked tirelessly on their project and they enjoyed getting their teeth into a new challenge.

"Their meticulous planning and precise preliminary experiments were just as exciting as the main practical itself.

"They have learnt how to carefully carry out a scientific investigation from start to finish.

"This included writing a hypothesis, structuring a method and analysing data.

"These are all skills that will be vital to their success during their triple science course, starting in September.

“The success of producing a flammable gas made us all feel like we had achieved something.

"The fact that their work has been recognised as being outstanding was simply the icing on the cake.”

The twelve finalist teams will present their work to an expert judging panel at the Science Museum in London on March 12.

UK schools education manager at BP Samantha Bulkeley said: “I would like to congratulate all of the teams that have reached the Ultimate STEM Challenge final.

"During the judging process, we were impressed to see how students from all over the UK used problem-solving and teamwork skills to develop their own unique responses to this year's real-world challenges.

“The finalist entries all stood out for their creativity and innovation in helping to create a more sustainable future.

"We look forward to celebrating the hard work of all the students and seeing their projects come to life at the finals in March.”