INNOVATION lecturer Dr Bronwyn Eager flew in with her alien friend George from Australia last week to talk to Hereford students about the city’s university.

Dr Eager, supported by Dr Helen Rogers who is responsible for developing the new model in technology and engineering (NMiTE) curriculum, worked with pupils from Aylestone School, the Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat School and Fairfield to help George solve a major issue on his planet.

Students created their own George to work with and then made a physical prototype of a solution for George by using engineering and innovation processes.

The students came up with a range of solutions from DNA changing chips to air purification trainers.

Working with Dr Eager, Dr Rogers and George the alien, pupils learnt that often there are many possible answers to a single question – and they can all be correct.

Sue Gaston, of Fairfield High School, said she was really pleased to have worked with NMiTE at this early stage in its development.

“Fairfield is committed to encouraging our students to be creative and innovative thinkers so that they have the skills to shape their own future and become successful entrepreneurs,” she said.

Sian Murcott, of Aylestone School, said: “We are really delighted to have hosted Dr Eager, NMiTE and pupils from other local schools to develop the thirst for creativity and entrepreneurship.”