CHEMICAL COMPANY FINDS THE RIGHT FORMULA FOR SCHOOL VISIT

Students from a Keighley primary school have had their science lessons brought to life by the experts at a local chemical company.

Pupils at Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School enjoyed a morning of experiments at chemical specialist, Airedale Group, based in Cross Hills.

Chemists in the company’s product development laboratories helped them understand chemical reactions by making lava lamps, creating ‘elephant toothpaste’ and producing polymers in line with their national curriculum theme of ‘states of matter’.

They were also given a presentation followed by a quiz and given the chance to explore inside one of Airedale Group’s privately-owned lorries.

Deputy headteacher at Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School, Mike Clayton, said: “To see the chemistry we teach in class brought to life in working laboratories really helps enhance the children’s enjoyment of the subject. It is also great for them to understand where the chemicals and reactions that they learn about are used in everyday life.

“The visits to Airedale Group have become one of the highlights of the school calendar and we’re looking forward to the relationship with Airedale Group continuing into the future.”

Richard Ward, Business Director at Airedale Group, adds: “Each year we look forward to welcoming the pupils from Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School and it is great to see how much they enjoy the visits. Our feedback survey found that 86% said the visit helped them enjoy science more and almost half expressed an interest in a career in science.

“As a company we’re always looking for ways to engage with our communities and this partnership forms part of our Environment, Social and Governance policy which we will continue to develop and look forward to enjoying other projects in the future.”

Airedale Group, founded in 1973, is based in Cross Hills and provides chemicals and related services to the UK and Europe.