James’ happy feet travel to scientific life

James Wallace, 13, excelled in the regional heats of the National Science and Engineering Competition 2013.

He completed his GCSE standard Crest Silver Award Project while in Year 8 at Henlow Academy and he is now in Year 9 at Redborne Upper School.

Henlow Academy deputy head, Caroline Hinitt, said: “He completed a project called happy feet, which was all about testing different trainers for how efficient they were as a sports shoe.

“He investigated gait, took friction measurements and spent a day at a Nike store in London to see how trainers were made.

“His conclusion was that the barefoot trainer was the most effective.

“James spent over 40 hours researching, writing up his results and forming his conclusions.”

In March he will go head to head with students from across the country in the final. This will be held at the Big Bang Fair in London.

The Big Bang Fair, which will be held at London ExCel, will be the UK’s largest celebration of science and engineering for young people. James’ entry will be shown to more than 60,000 visitors, including school groups, prospective employers, university representatives and VIPs.

He will have his own exhibition stand and he will come face to face with celebrity judges in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch process.

There is still time for 11 to 18-year-olds to enter.

Entries can be submitted in writing or on film.

Visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/nsec to find out more.