Teenage boys got to grips with aliens when they learnt how TV special effects are made, as part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Libraries’ Science Fiction/Science Fact Festival.
Boys from Aberdare Boys Comprehensive, Ferndale Community School and Tonypandy Community College enjoyed workshops with author Malcolm Rose and special effects creator Charlie Bluett at the Valleys Kids building in Penygraig.
They tried their hand at solving crimes with Techniquest’s forensic science team and found out how special effects are created for TV programmes such as ‘Dr Who’ and ‘Silent Witness’.
Malcolm Rose (pictured) is a former chemistry lecturer for the Open University. He now writes crime thrillers and his ‘Traces’ series feature Luke Harding, a teenage forensic investigator and his robot assistant.
Malcolm also visited schools and libraries across RCT, taking workshops with pupils from Bryncelynnog, Porth County and Treorchy Comprehensives, as well as Ysgol Gyfun y Cymer and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun.
Special effects creator Charlie Bluett has made everything from Cyberman helmets to a life-sized dinosaur. He brought with him examples of his work including gruesome body parts, a punk alien and the head of a Slitheen from Dr Who. The boys particularly enjoyed handling the severed limbs and being transformed into an Auton (also a character from Dr Who).
Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg, Church Village, played host to Nick Arnold author of the ‘Horrible Science’ series. Nick’s books cover everything from blood to bugs and poisons – and his audience loved every gory minute of his show.
The events were funded by Basic Skills Cymru as part of its Read a Million Words Together in Wales literacy programme for teenage boys.
Cllr Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “These successful events run by our Libraries Service were a fantastic way to get young people involved in learning about science and science fiction.
“The events were a lot of fun, and also got young people interested in discovering books. Requests for Nick Arnold’s books have risen sharply at Church Village Library since his visit and extra copies have been bought for stock.”
Membership of all Rhondda Cynon Taf’s libraries is free and everyone living or working within the county borough is welcome to join. Find out more by visiting www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/libraries.
