The corridors of Red Oaks Primary School in North Swindon were alive with the buzz of curiosity and discovery last week, as more than 100 pupils transformed into budding scientists and engineers for the school’s annual STEM Fair.
Held on Tuesday 27th May, the event celebrated all things Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with children proudly presenting a dazzling array of hands-on experiments and interactive displays.
Among the imaginative highlights were a Fizzy Drink Volcano, Pin the Part on the Heart, the Oobleck Experiment (which had onlookers baffled by its strange solid-but-not-solid qualities), and even Fireworks in a Jar. There was also a clever twist with The Science of Football and a powerful Air Cannon demonstration — all designed and run by pupils themselves.
In total, around 350 votes were cast by fellow students who took on the tough task of picking their favourite projects. The most popular exhibits will earn their young creators a trip to this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, one of the world’s biggest air shows.
Headteacher Eirian Painter praised the creativity on display:
“The STEM Fair is a fun and engaging event which also significantly enhances students’ learning experiences and fosters a deeper understanding of the subjects within the classroom. It’s amazing to see all the imagination that goes into the experiments and exhibits.”
Year 4 teacher Daniel Carter added: “It was so lovely to see the children full of happiness regarding their projects – their creativity has blown me away!”
Fellow teacher Mandy Jacques noted the atmosphere was just as inspiring for the grown-ups: “There is a real sense of community here today – it’s so heartwarming to see the parents just as engaged as the children are!”
The joy was clearly shared by families and pupils alike. One parent commented: “Watching the children explain their experiments with such passion was inspiring.”
And it wasn’t just about fun. The fair has become a key part of the school’s calendar, fostering essential skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, confidence, and presentation abilities — all while igniting a lifelong interest in science and engineering.
A Year 6 pupil said: “I take part every year because I love being able to show others something I’m passionate about.”
Another student in Year 4 added: “Today was fun because I was able to be a scientist for the day. I’m definitely doing it again next year!”
With each passing year, Red Oaks’ STEM Fair continues to grow — not just in size, but in impact. And judging by this year’s turnout and energy, Swindon’s next generation of innovators are already well on their way.
