Students visited the incredible Natural History Museum where students had a fantastic time seeing the skeleton of a blue whale and investigating the variety of collections currently held there. Some sightseeing was also on the agenda, visiting Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and the London Eye!

The most anticipated part of the trip however was attending the Chemistry in Action Conference, where students looked at cutting-edge research and broadened their knowledge in the subject. They heard from five leading chemists in academia and industry, as well having a session on examination success to ensure students are equipped with the tools to excel. The fantastic speakers for the day were:

• Nanoinvasion - Jamie Gallagher - University of Glasgow

• Lateral Flow Tests: Why Chemistry is More Than Just Chemicals - Alex Baker - University of Warwick

• Colourful Chemistry - Peter Hoare - Newcastle University

• The Periodic Table of the Oceans - Kate Hendry, British Antarctic Survey

• Strange Ice - Andrea Sella, University College London

Mr Youlden their Chemistry teacher said "Allowing the pupils to visualise their chosen subjects within a higher learning scenario has raised aspirations as well as enthusing and engaging the students with different areas of Chemistry."