BENARTY Primary School's scientists made a real impact at the Celebration, run by Young Engineers and Science Clubs (YESC) - a project of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) - and partnered by Shell U.K. Limited.

The Benarty science team of Lauren Mair, Katie Bell, Dion Leslie, Cooper Davidson, Leland Mercer and Jackie Brockie went to Dundee and carried the day in the Primary section at the Dundee Science Centre.

Schools enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their work, compete for exciting prizes and take part in fun, hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) challenges set by industry partners.

Shell, brightsolid, Michelin, BT Scotland, Royal Navy, and The University of Dundee, were among nine organisations attending the event at Dundee Science Centre to inform young people of the wide range of careers in STEM.

The coveted Primary Regional Club of the Year title, saw Benarty Primary, receive £250 and a certificate presented by David Burgess, Plant Installation Manager Fife NGL, Gas Plant, Shell U.K. Limited, at Mossmorran. Shell is a long-term partner of YESC.

Mr Burgess, said: “The event highlights not only the enormous amount of talented young engineers and scientists in the area, but the enthusiasm and excitement they have for the subjects. Shell’s work, in partnership with the SCDI Young Engineers and Science Clubs, plays a critical role in providing resources to schools across Scotland that will ensure a new generation will continue Scotland’s legacy of innovation in science and engineering industries. Congratulations are due to the participating pupils and teachers for their obvious hard work on these great projects.”

The six youngsters represented the school at Dundee and they took with them the working crane built by pupils from ties and lollipop sticks at the Lochleven Road school, which was capable of lifting a large plastic carton of fluid, and also programme a robot.

They also had to present how STEM work at the school is tackled and the Benarty style of presentation impressed the judges.

The team declared: "What a great experience, we are overjoyed."

The teacher who co-ordinates STEM at Benarty, Jacqui Johnstone, said: "The children were really brilliant up at Dundee and their presentation was top notch.

"They are now moving to the next stage which is building a Goblin electric racing car.

"We have a former pupil, Ewan McTurk, who has been involved in the F24 programme run at BRAG and he has volunteered to mentor the pupils so it will be interesting to see how this project develops."

Jacqui added that while the kit for the bodywork was supplied by Greenpower the school will have to purchase the parts for the bodywork themselves so they are actively seeking sponsors.

She said: "We have already contacted a few local companies asking for support so hopefully we will be able to get some help to buy the materials we need."

Benarty will now go to the National Celebration of engineering and Science finals at the Glasgow Science Centre on June 9.