South Milford primary pupils win North Yorkshire schools’ debate, declaring the Space Rocket as the greatest invention of all time

On Tuesday June 13 primary school pupils from across North Yorkshire took part in a live event, debating what they claimed to be the greatest invention of all time.

The debate formed part of the Great Science Share for Schools campaign, aiming to inspire and generally raise the profile of science and engineering in schools and local communities, by inviting 5-14 year-olds to share their own scientific questions and investigations through an inclusive and collaborative experience.

Over 230 children from across North Yorkshire gathered at The Education Exchange in Knottingley, representing nine primary schools from the Star Multi Academy Trust, a fitting location created as a place to unite educators invested in improving opportunities for all students.

The schools received funding support from the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) cluster programme, to spend a few months prior learning about their chosen invention through various activities, investigations, and experiences.

The children debated a variety of inventions from the wheel to the computer as the greatest invention of all time, but it was South Milford Primary Schools’ case for the space rocket that won the audiences final votes.

As part of their presentation, the children of South Milford talked about the role that rockets play in placing satellites which are used for communication in space, and the importance of satellites in helping scientists to monitor wildfires and volcanoes, to predict the weather, and to track disease, famine and drought.

The schools involved in the event form part of the Star Multi Academy Trust. Established in 2018, the trust’s aim is to create outstanding education within its academies to enable every young person to realise their full potential.

Ian Yapp, CEO of STAR Multi Academy Trust, added: “This is a fantastic initiative that really brings learning to life. As a Trust we are always looking for exciting ways to engage the children, especially with science.”

Bryony Turford, PSTT cluster leader and chartered science teacher, added: “What a brilliant day! Our children using their voices to share their science with a new audience. They are the scientists; they are the experts in the room and that filled me with a lot of hope for the future.”

This was the second time the school trust and science campaign has hosted an event of its kind, last year debating the most important animal of all time.