In the morning the boys faced the Salter's Challenge which required them to carry out a series of practical tests and use their data along with other clues to solve "the mystery of the stolen salt dish". In this task the boys performed exceptionally well: using accurate practical skills, astute powers of deduction and rational thinking they triumphed over fifteen other prestigious schools to take first prize in the competition.

After a sun-soaked lunch on the university campus the boys took part in the more light hearted 'University Challenge'.

In this they enjoyed concocting a witches brew, synthesising nylon and inflating a baloon using the power of chemistry alone.

The day was rounded off with a spectacular series of demonstrations followed by a prize giving ceremony for the morning's victors. A successful and happy day for all involved.

'I was one of the lucky four to be involved in the Festival of Chemistry at the University of Surrey.  Ali, James, Andrew and I travelled with Mr. Dabrowski to the University by train. 

In the morning we took part in the Salters' Challenge which was extremely fun and I learnt a lot.  We had to identify the samples of salt taken from the suspects' shoes to find out who stole the silver salt dish!  After that we had lunch by the pond which was very relaxing.

We folowed lunch with a chemistry magic show where we had to concoct a witches brew, grow a crystal, inflate a balloon and create the longest thread of nylon we could, all using our chemistry skills!

To top off the day we saw a magic show put on by the University staff.  It was exhilarating and amazing as we were stunned by extreme explosions, flamboyant colours and terrifying tricks, and we learnt a lot too!

But at the end there was another surprise yet to come.  Out of fifteen schools, of whom we were the youngest, we gained FIRST PRIZE for the Salters' Challenge!  We received some interesting prizes and won £100 for the School!'  Daniel Dobrowolski 7WT