We are delighted to announce that The Association for Science Education (ASE) has recognised our very own, long-standing Chemistry Support Technician, Pete Jackson, for his commitment and influence at King’s and across North West schools.
Fully deserving of the accolade and recognition, Pete has been a member of the King’s Chemistry Department for over 30 years. Having huge impact on thousands of young scientists at King’s and throughout the region’s schools, the award honours Pete’s qualities as an inspirational and engaging practitioner.
Pete is best known to many students for his spectacular “Flashes and Bangs” show, a high‑energy series of chemical demonstrations that has delighted and inspired audiences of over 2,000 young people across the region. The show has featured five times at the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Ernest Worthington Memorial Christmas Lecture in Bolton and is an annual highlight of the RSC Chemquiz competition at Manchester Metropolitan University. Each demonstration is carefully designed, meticulously rehearsed, and constantly evolving as Pete seeks out new and exciting ways to showcase the wonder of Chemistry — always under the strictest safety measures, of course!
His creativity extends into primary science too, with the hugely popular “Rockets” show, supporting Junior School teachers and helping younger pupils experience the excitement of hands‑on science. Many of these demonstrations, along with Chemistry Club experiments, now live on through instructional videos Pete has produced for the school’s Instagram page, and followed by teachers and technicians nationwide.
At school, Pete is equally celebrated for the depth of his Chemistry expertise and his unwavering willingness to help. A talented practitioner in his own right, he regularly joins lessons to offer one‑to‑one technical mentoring, particularly during challenging practicals. His thoughtful refinements to required practical methods have significantly improved student understanding and confidence, prompting the department to compile “Pete’s Methods” into a dedicated booklet now used by all exam groups.
Pete’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. As Senior Technician, he has trained and supported many colleagues over the years — so effectively that his current team even includes a retired King’s Chemistry teacher. His guidance for PGCE and ECT teachers is especially valued; he gives freely of his time to rehearse practicals, assist in lessons, and boost new teachers’ confidence with demonstrations that many once found daunting.
Head of Chemistry, Mr Jim Street, who first worked with Pete as a PGCE trainee in 2014, describes him as the department’s “quiet powerhouse.” He credits his mentorship with shaping his own teaching career and highlights his behind‑the‑scenes support with budgeting, planning, and resourcing as “exceptional.” He adds, “His Flashes and Bangs shows continue to wow audiences up and down the North West, inspiring the chemists of the future. He truly is a one‑of‑a‑kind technician.”
In every demonstration he has perfected, every colleague he has trained, and every student he has inspired, we are so grateful to Pete. The ASE award is testament to his unwavering dedication to science education. Thank you, Pete, and congratulations!
