ALMOST 100 primary school children were invited to an event to learn about the “explosive science” of chemistry and the “shocking physics” of static electricity.

Ampleforth College held the event for Year 6 pupils to watch science demonstrations in the Bamford Centre laboratories, where pupils experienced several areas of science they had not yet encountered.

They watched a two pence coin temporarily transform to silver, learnt about why DNA is the stuff of life in biology and were entertained with chemistry and physics demonstrations.

Children from Terrington Hall Prep School, Belhaven Hill and Brackenfield joined boys and girls from Ampleforth College’s prep school, St Martin’s Ampleforth

Geoff Thurman, who runs the programme of Ampleforth Experience Days, said: “Science Day was just one of many events we have planned for the coming year and we are looking forward to welcoming more children to enjoy events ranging from our annual choral day in October to a maths day in the New Year, which will be filled with exciting challenges to stretch their mathematical brains.”

The Ampleforth Experience Days offer an opportunity for younger children to try a range of opportunities available at Ampleforth College, including a day of dance in the new performing arts centre and a public speaking day, which helps children develop the vital skills needed to speak eloquently and confidently in public.