Food for thought as winner of AstraZeneca Energy Challenge revealed

A Whittlesford school has been named the winner at the grand final of AstraZeneca’s scientific challenge for children.

William Westley C of E Primary School was declared the champion of the Energy Challenge following 40,000 hours of preparation across Cambridgeshire schools.

The AstraZeneca scheme, which attracted 53 county schools, challenged children in Years 5 and 6 to research the energy densities of different foods. With the help of AstraZeneca mentors, the young scientists made and recorded scientific observations and measurements, interpreted data, and drew conclusions.

During regional heats, schools presented their findings to a pool of judges to win a place at the final, which was hosted by Dr Jane Osbourn, vice president of research and development at AstraZeneca. The winner was announced on Thursday (July 4).

Dr Elizabeth Nally, science lead at William Westley, said: “As it is such a relevant investigation we involved the whole school, having an initial introductory assembly followed by investigations in every class.”