Since the launch we have:

* Been joined by thousands of schools in setting a new Guinness world record with the Giant Jump.

z Provided more than pound;4 million worth of equipment to schools, including microscopes, electronic whiteboards, biotechnology kits and data loggers.

* Built up an award-winning website - www.scienceyear.com - full of resources and information for pupils, teachers and parents.

* Provided, through our partners, the Association for Science Education, a series of free CD-roms for all schools. These contain resources as diverse as science assembly ideas and human combustion investigations for pupils, and are available free on our website www.sycd.co.uk

* Introduced, as part of the national Teaching Awards, the BP award for Science Year to highlight the excellent teaching found in many labs around the country.

* With our partners, the British Association for the Advancement of Science, launchedwww.laughlab.co.uk and the largest scientific study into humour ever conducted.

* Worked with the Science Museum on a young people’s review of the science curriculum, the results of which were reported to Government, the QCA, exam boards and the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology (see above).

* Created the Science Circus, a touring adventure for audiences of all ages featuring hands-on exhibits and entertaining science demonstrations.

That’s just a small part of what has been happening and in July, Education Secretary Estelle Morris announced that the Year would be extended to the end of next July.

So Science Year organisers will continue improving the profile and perception of science among young people, as well as teaching it and involving parents.

We will announce Science Year’s new name and programme at the BA Festival of Science in Leicester next Tuesday.Visit our website at www.scienceyear.com

Melanie Renowden is Science Year manager