FOUR students from The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School enjoyed an exciting day out to the School of Chemistry at Birmingham University on April 3 to attend the Salters' Festival of Chemistry.

Whilst at the university, the students were given free rein, under careful supervision, to complete two chemical challenges whilst competing against 15 other schools from the region.

Despite the chemistry laboratories being somewhat larger and more advanced than what they were used to, the students worked safely, efficiently and pulled together as a team to come second out of the 16 schools.

The day was finished off in fine style by a stunning and entertaining demonstration by one of the university lecturers.

This demonstration included cooking with liquid nitrogen, how to use and control chemical clocks and how students could be illuminated by chemiluminescent reactions.

As a reward for their hard work, the students were then presented with their certificates and prizes for their teamwork as well as their practical skills.

An excellent day was had by all and one of the students, when asked how the day could be improved, said "make the day longer".

Following the success of the day, the BHBS Science department is now looking to welcome the staff of Birmingham University School of Chemistry to the school to run some workshops with students, in order to help inspire them with the benefits of a career in chemistry.