The Royal Society of Chemistry and Education Business Partnership

Posters

Recently, Year 8 pupils at Sir James Smith Secondary School took part in a series of chemistry careers workshops. These workshops are part of the Catalyst Girls Cornwall programme and they are supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The programme encourages girls to explore Chemistry, and see how science can shape their futures.

One workshop was called A Future in Chemistry. It showed pupils how chemistry links to real jobs. We wanted them to picture themselves working in science one day. We also hoped to inspire them to pursue a career in chemistry.

The session began with an interactive quiz. Pupils learned about careers that use chemistry. These included radiography, aerospace engineering, and sports science. They looked at what each job involves and saw how chemistry connects to many industries. They learned that many jobs use chemistry. Jobs including medicine, engineering, sports, product design, and environmental work.

The quiz helped them understand why their science lessons matter. It showed them that what they learn in school appears in real workplaces and that people use chemistry everyday. They learned the importance it plays in many jobs.

After the quiz, the pupils moved on to their main task. They were asked to design an A3 careers poster linked to chemistry. Each pupil chose a STEM job to research and present. They had to include the job title, yearly salary and weekly hours. They also considered career prospects, daily tasks, and the education needed to enter the role. The pupils researched their chosen career online. They then created posters that explained how chemistry fits into that job. This helped them break down complex information into simple, clear points that others could understand.

As they worked, the classroom filled with colourful and detailed posters. Some pupils chose careers in healthcare. They learned how radiographers use imaging equipment to help diagnose patients. Others looked at engineering roles, such as aerospace engineers. They learned that these jobs work with materials and fuels and that chemistry is an important part of the work. Pupils also explored sports science. They explained how chemistry helps athletes understand energy use, nutrition, and recovery. Their posters showed strong research skills and a clear understanding of how chemistry links to real jobs. Many posters used diagrams, colour coding, timelines, and examples to make their ideas easy to follow.

The pupils learned that chemistry connects to many different careers and that there are many paths they can take. They also gained confidence in researching information and presenting what they had learned. They understood more about qualifications and the steps needed to reach their chosen careers. The activity helped them practise communication and presentation skills. They learned the importance of speaking confidently to others. The quality of work was very high, and their posters showed real care, thought, and effort.

The main message was that chemistry is essential. We want young people to feel confident in this subject because it can lead to many successful careers. During the workshop, pupils became scientists and practised important skills. They gathered information, made decisions, and worked as a team. They also saw that chemistry appears in the world around them and shapes many of the products and services we use every day. By the end, they had gained new knowledge about the wide range of jobs they can choose from in the future.

This workshop encouraged pupils to think about their futures and inspired them to explore the many careers linked to chemistry. The session used a quiz, research, and poster design to make career learning practical and enjoyable. It also supported the aims of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Catalyst Girls Cornwall. The workshop encouraged young women to enjoy science and to explore how chemistry is used in real life.

"It helped them think about future opportunities in STEM. The session prepared pupils for more hands‑on activities that will build their ambition, confidence, and curiosity about science." - Jo Ledger

Girls Experiments

This season, EBP visited Fowey River Academy. During one session, Year 8 girls took part in a hands‑on workshop exploring how Chemistry is used in everyday careers. This employer‑engagement activity gave pupils the chance to make their own lip balm while learning about real‑world applications of science. We helped make science feel relevant by showing pupils that Chemistry is all around them — from the products they use in their hair to the items they rely on at home each day.

We applied science in a practical way helping them see how Chemistry works in real life. The process had clear steps: mixing, heating and cooling. The Year 8 girls carried out each step of the experiment themselves, applying science and learning new skills through the whole activity. They watched the ingredients melt, blend and solidify into lip balm. This helped them to see how simple ingredients can change and react into something they can use.

The main message is that Chemistry is exciting. They learned that Chemistry is fun and how it links to the cosmetics industry. Pupils built confidence through the experiment. They learned new skills, solved problems, and worked together as a team. All pupils left seeing that Chemistry is not only interesting but also a skill that can shape their futures.

For some pupils, the workshop changed how they felt about science. They left feeling more curious and more sure of their abilities after seeing their own product take shape.

The impact of this session was clear. Pupils became more confident using scientific tools and following a step‑by‑step process. Many began to see science not just as a school subject, but as a skill they could use in future jobs. The activity built teamwork, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills. Several pupils said the workshop made them think differently about Chemistry and helped them see that STEM careers are open to them. This hands‑on experience helped them feel more able, sparked new interests, and showed them that they can work in science, engineering, or other STEM roles.

"My next steps are to keep building pupils’ confidence in Chemistry and to offer more hands‑on projects. Future sessions will inspire pupils to explore science‑based careers." - Education Project manager

Girl Power

Chemistry Sessions at Brannel School

The Education Business Partnership (EBP) has launched the ‘Catalyst for Girls’ initiative at Brannel School as part of our Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) project, funded by the RSC. The project delivers a series of workshops for Year 8 pupils, designed to build confidence, leadership, and teamwork while introducing students to careers in chemistry. Through hands-on activities, the sessions aim to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and show that chemistry is fun and all around us.

This week, EBP started our chemistry sessions at Brannel School. It was fantastic to see such an amazing group of young ladies dive into science. The classroom buzzed with excitement as they rolled up their sleeves and got ready to experiment.

Our focus was pH testing. The pupils had to find out if everyday household items are acidic, neutral, or alkaline. The pupils made predictions and explained their reasoning. Then came the moment of truth: testing their ideas. Watching their faces light up when they discovered whether they were right was priceless.

This activity taught an important lesson. Scientists make predictions, but they also record results with care. Accuracy and precision matter. The girls learned that science is not just about answers—it’s about the process.

The session gave them a glimpse into the life of a scientist. They saw the kind of tasks research scientists do every day. It sparked curiosity about careers in chemistry. Many shared their dreams—working for the NHS, becoming veterinarians. Others were looking forward to exploring other science-based roles. These conversations are why we run these sessions: to inspire and encourage pupils to see the possibilities ahead.

One pupil summed it up perfectly: “This was a fantastic session and I enjoyed learning about what chemists do.”

We look forward to continuing these workshops and helping the next generation discover the power of science.

Girls in Chemistry

Testing

Fowey River Academy and the Education Business Partnership (EBP)

Chemistry is everywhere. This week, pupils at Fowey River Academy learned how much it shapes our daily lives. From the products we use at home to the water we drink, chemistry keeps us safe.

Our workshop is part of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) project, funded by the RSC. It gave Year 8 pupils the chance to explore chemistry through hands-on experiments and real-world examples.

The first session focused on pH testing. Pupils tested everyday household items and food and drinks to see if they were acidic, neutral, or alkaline. They made predictions and explained their reasoning. Then they tested their ideas. Watching their faces light up when they saw the results was priceless.

This activity taught an important lesson. Scientists use chemicals to make products we rely on every day. Testing is essential to keep those products safe. Pupils learned that pH testing shows what could harm us and why safety checks matter.

We also explored how pH is used in the environment, on farms, in gardens, and in water systems. Pupils discovered how pH affects soil health and crop growth. They learned why water companies monitor pH to keep drinking water safe. They even learned about the role of professionals at South West Water. The pupils gained insights into careers that protect public health and the environment.

The session gave pupils a glimpse into the life of a scientist. It sparked curiosity about careers in chemistry. Many shared ambitions such as working in environmental science roles. These conversations are why we run these sessions: to inspire and encourage pupils to see the possibilities ahead.

One pupil summed it up perfectly: “This was a fantastic session and I enjoyed learning about what chemists do.”

We look forward to continuing these workshops and helping the next generation discover the power of science in everyday life.