A team of four of our Year 8 students took part in the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry at the University of Bath yesterday, coming second place in the prestigious ‘Bath University Challenge’ in a competition of independent and state schools from across the South West.

During the one-day festival, Milo M, Romy S, Domini A and Alex E worked without teacher support to complete complex chemistry investigations.

Commenting, day student Milo M said, “We undertook a series of investigations working individually and also as part of a team during the day, including identifying unknown chemicals through chromatography and reactions with acids. In the afternoon we had to work out how to use an endothermic reaction to reduce the temperature of water to exactly 10.5°C. We won second place by reaching 10.9°C from 20°C. It was such a fun day – if I could do it again, I absolutely would!”

The Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry are an initiative of the Salters’ Institute, run in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry. Their objective is to help promote the appreciation of Chemistry and related Sciences in young people through a one-day event held at universities across the UK. Salters’ Festivals provide the opportunity for pupils to spend a day in a university department and to take part in practical chemistry activities which are challenging, but also good fun!

Benefits of The Salters’ Institute Festivals of Chemistry:

• Excite pupils by doing practical chemistry
• Give pupils responsibility to carry out investigations “like a real Chemist”
• Encourage team working and independent problem solving skills
• Meet and interact with fellow students from other schools
• Work with University students and gain an understanding of life at University