SCIENTISTS of the future coalesced at an Oxford school for construction-themed activities.

More than 75 pupils from Oxfordshire schools met at Oxford High School for its sixth JEMS (Juniors in Engineering, Maths and Science) morning.

The Summertown school hosted Year 5 pupils from across the county on Wednesday, inviting them to tackle a series of interactive experiments.

Challenges included building paper tower buildings, and were overseen by a class of Year 8 pupils from Oxford High.

Organiser and lead teacher Maria Whittington said: "We were delighted to welcome so many fabulously enthusiastic children.

"It is our third year of these JEMS mornings, and being able to share our terrific facilities with the wider community is part of what makes us such a great school.

"Our own students love the chance to work and interact with younger children, but it's very much a two-way process and everyone benefits.

"A great education involves going beyond lessons, and science activities are one of the best ways of stretching students of all ages, and encouraging them to ask questions and investigate the technical world around them.

"Employers of the future need inquisitive and scientifically literate employees, and holding mornings like this can kick-start their journey while they are young."

Participating primary schools were: New Marston, St Nicholas', Cutteslowe, Wood Farm, Church Cowley St James, St Francis, Langford Village, Tynedale and Botley. 

Lucy Developments defrayed travel costs for children who would not otherwise have been able to attend.