A team of four May Gurney mentored students reached the final of the prestigious National Gold Crest Awards, which were presented recently at the BA CREST Science Fair in London.

The BA CREST Science Fair is an annual event for young people to exhibit outstanding research projects and compete for top prizes.

The fair brings together winners of the BA CREST Award regional finals and self-nominated students, all of whom have carried out outstanding science, engineering and technology projects. Judges select the best projects and young scientists for a range of prestigious prizes, including cash and international trips.

The City of Norwich School students reached the national final after their innovative 'Silt Buster' design (see pic above) won the regional Engineering Education Scheme for England (EESE), which challenges students to find a solution to a real engineering problem.

Working closely with May Gurney Project Manager Alan Smith, team members were tasked with removing pollutants from excavations on construction sites. Alan Smith attended weekly meetings to mentor the students through the development of the Silt Buster.

In April 2006, the sixth formers were awarded the Gold Crest Award for the project by EESE. Then, in June, the team gained first place in the Crest Award regional finals in Stevenage.

The national awards were presented at The Royal Society in London on 23 February.

Footnote: the picture shows, left to right: Abi Waite, Alan Smith (May Gurney), Alex Ambrose, Catherine Gardner and Adam Smith.