John of Gaunt School hosted a chemistry day organised by Stem Wilts and Dorset for Year 9 pupils from schools across Wiltshire to inspire them to look at the career opportunities in science.

Called Chemistry at Work it was attended by pupils interested in chemistry from John of Gaunt, Melksham Oak, St Augustine’s and St Edmund’s School in Salisbury.

Demonstrations were put on by chemists from the University of Bristol, the Department of Oncology at University of Oxford, University of Oxford Chemistry Department and the Royal Society of Chemistry, and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Pupils could learn about Radiochemistry, combustion, fruity chemistry and how to make bath bombs.

Headteacher Mike Gunston said of the event: “It allows the pupils to challenge their own thinking.”

Rhona Phelps, who is part of Stem Wilts and Dorset’s catalyst team, said: “We are showing the pupils the vast range of careers that use chemistry through workshops with different organisations.

“The children love it as it’s a real eye-opening experience and they get to learn about the different jobs that chemists do. It raises their expectations about what they can achieve.”