SIXTH-form science whizzes have been sharing their skills with primary school children for a special project set up by Oxford Spires Academy.

The academy has been awarded £6,000 after being shortlisted for the national Rolls-Royce Science Prize, and is using the money to send pupils into local schools to act as ‘biological demonstrators’ and run science roadshows.

This week pupils visited SS Mary and John Primary School in Meadow Lane, and Church Cowley St James Primary School in Bartholomew Road, to teach the youngsters the science behind rockets.

Spires head of chemistry Stacy Hewitt said: “We are really excited to be chosen as finalists for the prize.

“Our sixth-form students are very keen to continue inspiring young scientists in local primary schools. Our aim is for the children to see what fun science can be.”

The school now has the next academic year to work on the project, and will then be judged alongside eight other schools in the final of the Rolls-Royce Science Prize. The winner will receive £15,000 to spend on science teaching.

A runner-up will win £10,000, and as well as the finalists, including Oxford Spires Academy, getting a £6,000 cash boost, 50 other schools across the country received £1,000.

Chloe Johnson, 17, said: “I think it is important to make kids aware of science from a young age.

“The Rolls-Royce project helps us to convey the importance of science in an active way.”

And Negar Gohari, 17, said: “It’s brilliant to have the opportunity to engage with younger students in our community.”

Alice Harsant, 17, added: “It’s good to have the academy connected to several primary schools to show them how much we enjoy science.”

Sidra Begum, also 17, said: “It was fun for both us and the primary school kids.”

The Rolls-Royce Science Prize was set up in 2004, and hands out £120,000 each year to deserving schools.

Helen Bishop, head of community investment at Rolls-Royce, said: “The Rolls-Royce Science Prize was established to reward inspirational teaching within schools.

“Teachers are instrumental in helping to inspire and enthuse a new generation of young engineers.”

“The level of enthusiasm demonstrated by Oxford Spires Academy has been outstanding. I look forward to watching their school project progress during the coming year.”

A total of 2,000 schools and colleges entered the contest.