CRACKING! Pupils' firework show on TV.Byline: by LORNA LORNA List of Really Necessary Acronyms HUGHES PUPILS at a Merseyside school will tonight show a TV audience how they brought Liverpool's Capital of Culture year to an end in a burst of fireworks fireworks: see pyrotechnics. fireworks Explosives or combustibles used for display. Of ancient Chinese origin, fireworks evidently developed out of military rockets and explosive missiles and accompanied the spread of military explosives westward to . Cameras followed the group of 18 second-years at Woodchurch high school, Birkenhead, for six months as they learned about the secret science of fireworks in lessons and visits to China and the USA. Physics teacher Andy Smith was tasked with changing the teenagers' low opinion of science and inspiring them to design a firework display. The teenagers' work formed the first minute of a firework display launched from boats on the River Mersey
Their adventures will feature in a three-part documentary, Rocket Science, on BBC BBC in full British Broadcasting Corp. Publicly financed broadcasting system in Britain. A private company at its founding in 1922, it was replaced by a public corporation under royal charter in 1927. 2 tonight at 9pm. Mr Smith, 32, of Oxton, said: "At the start, I was aware of the camera all the time and I was making sure my shirt was ironed, but as time went on, I got used to it. "At the beginning, most of the class told me they did not like science, but it has given them more of an interest in the subject. "Making the programme has also given them an insight into the widerworld andwhat they could do with science. "When they saw the display at the end, they could not believewhat they were able to achieve." Much of the filming took place during Saturdays and holidays. Rebekah Phillips, acting head teacher at Woodchurch high, said: "It was an absolutely fantastic opportunity for the class and a one-in-a-lifetime experience. "Andy is a excellent teacher, but he is part of an excellent science department. The documentary provides just a snapshot of what we do at Woodchurch and the way we teach." Mr Smith has taught at Woodchurch high for 10 years. He was approached to take part in Rocket Science after being spotted by producers on Teachers TV.Mr Smith added: "At the firework display, we went backstage and were treated like VIPs, so it was a nice ending. "But my 10 minutes of fame are definitely up now - no more!" CAPTION(S): FUN: Peter King, left, Andy Smith (physics teacher), Chantelle Hudson, Sean Mortimer with a sparkler spar·kler n. 1. One, such as a highly polished metallic surface or a virtuoso performer, that sparkles. 2. Informal A diamond. 3. A firework that burns slowly and gives off a shower of sparks. , above, and fellow pupils at Woodchurch high |
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