November kicked off with a bang as Chemistry Week 2024 expanded into a full month of chemistry themed events in our co-curricular clubs throughout the College.

Our P7 Science Spectacular pupils had a sparkling time as they explored the science behind homemade sparklers. They enjoyed a hands-on science lesson, investigating how iron filings can create dazzling sparks and how different firework colours are formed from different metal ions. 

S1 Science Club pupils were thrilled to develop their Bunsen burner skills, creating their own sparklers and coloured flames. They also had an introduction to bioplastics and embarked on making their own plastic from potato starch, (or, in this case, analytical grade starch) by following the Royal Society of Chemistry’s method.

Three groups of pupils are also working towards a CREST Award and attend weekly lab sessions with Mrs Jappy. Their projects link directly to the Chemistry Week 2024 theme of “Science Shaping the Future” and include titles such as Designing a Mini City, Investigating the Neutralising Effect of Toothpaste on Lactic Acid, and Investigating Aspirin. Last month, the highlight for one team was synthesising and purifying aspirin in the laboratory, with plans to analyse it in the weeks following . 

UK Chemistry Olympiad preparation has been ongoing since September, with Mrs Buckley hosting weekly sessions with some of our most dedicated chemists. These sessions focus on developing their critical problem-solving skills, encouraging creative thinking, and providing the opportunity to test their knowledge in new, real-life situations ahead of the competition in January.