Students from Alton College recently took their learning beyond the classroom at ‘Chemistry in Action’, a prestigious national chemistry conference held at the Emmanuel Centre in London.
Six first-year A Level Chemistry students and five second-year students attended the event, engaging with a full day of outstanding, thought provoking lecturers from leading voices in academia, industry and science communication. The trip formed part of the College’s wider commitment to raising aspiration and broadening students’ understanding of their subjects.
Throughout the day, these learners were able to explore how chemistry shapes the modern world and future careers, with topics running from how nuclear waste can be repurposed to provide clean energy, to the role of metals in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how green chemistry can transform mining to reduce the environmental impact.
Crucially, these students also received practical guidance on A Level exam success, and took part in interactive experiences such as the ‘Scent-sational Chemistry’ workshop, unravelling the chemical secrets behind smell.
The programme concluded with a powerful exploration of the darker side of the Periodic Table, examining deadly poisons and the importance of chemical knowledge in protecting human health. The breadth of content showed students how chemistry expands far beyond textbooks, opening doors to careers they may not have previously considered or imagined.
Dr Galatia Politopoulou, Chemistry lecturer at Alton, said:
“Chemistry in Action was a fun and informative day out! We heard some outstanding presentations from a whole range of speakers on so many interesting topics.”
Experiences like Chemistry in Action sit within HSDC’s long-term approach to educational quality and sustainability, ensuring that the College continues to invest in high-quality enrichment opportunities that expand learner experiences and outcomes.
As Alton College students returned from London both inspired and motivated, the message was clear – with the right support and opportunities, ambition grows and futures take shape.