Earlier this month, pupils from Manorbier, Sageston and St Florence attended the Welston Court Science Centre in Milton for the Welston Challenge.

They were welcomed by Professor Tony Campbell and Dr Stephanie Matthews – inspirational founders of the Darwin Centre. 

The competition was fierce but, for the second year running, Sageston CP School were the winners of the trophy.

This annual competition, running since 2007, sees year 4 pupils from the three schools take part in a round robin of science-based activities throughout the day. 

Dr Matthews took the pupils on a nature walk through the amazing grounds, in the wet lab pupils learnt microscopy skills from Dr Valerie Morse and examined a range of freshwater invertebrates including non-biting midge larvae and water fleas. 

Microscopy workshop - Welston Challenge
Microscopy workshop (Darwin Centre)

They took a journey into the abyss in the dark lab with Sam from the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience who explored the world of bioluminescence and how animals use it for defence, attracting a prey/mate and to communicate.

Squid anatomy in the dark lab - Welston Challenge
Squid anatomy in the dark lab (Darwin Centre)

Amy showed pupils how to pond dip, investigating the diversity of freshwater life from palmate newts to damselfly nymphs pupils learnt about adaptations and life cycles.

Sam, manager of the Darwin Centre said:

“The Welston Challenge is a highlight of our academic year and we are so grateful to Tony and Stephanie for welcoming us to Welston Court each year.  All pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day and we were really impressed by their natural curiosity and their thirst for knowledge.  They certainly made the most of their opportunity to quiz Tony about his career, exciting discoveries and who inspired him.”

Year 4 from Sageston - winners of the Welston Challenge 2024
Year 4 from Sageston - winners of the Welston Challenge 2024 (Darwin Centre)

Based at Pembrokeshire College, the Darwin Centre is a charity aiming to engage and enthuse young people and communities in STEM subjects through hands-on field trips and workshops. In April, they joined Pembroke Dock Community School pupils and the Tall Ships Wales Trust aboard the tall ship, Bessie Ellen, for nautical inspired sessions linked to the senses, sampling seaweed products and examining plankton using stereomicroscopes. 

To find out more, visit www.darwincentre.com or email [email protected] or connect with the Darwin Centre on social media