Young scientists from St Francis School pay a visit to Catalent Pharma Solutions

Children from St Francis School in Swindon took part in a science trip to Catalent Pharma Solutions laboratories in Blagrove.

The 60 youngsters, aged 9-10, have been learning about reversible and irreversible reactions, solids, solutions and gases at school.

The visit to Catalent’s Zydis® technology laboratories helped bring that understanding to life. During British National Science Week, held in March, pupils explored chemistry and participated in chromatography and dissolve test challenges, which tested their skills of observation, necessary for all good scientists.

The visit, organized by Catalent’s Project Management team at its Swindon facility, started with a science-based magic show.

Their teacher Mrs Wood said: "The majority of these children had never visited a laboratory before and had the rare opportunity to see how their learning in the classroom translates in the real world with Catalent scientists at work. They were keen and enthusiastic to learn about the products that the laboratory has developed.

"Their visit included an observational tour of the laboratories, including viewing machines that test how quickly tablets disintegrate and other technical equipment in full operation. Catalent’s Product Development scientists gave presentations to the children followed by group discussions on medicines, and particularly the technology that goes into making Catalent’s Zydis orally disintegrating tablets."

The pupils also learned about different careers at a company such as Catalent, including engineering and business roles, and the importance of collaboration and team work, which they can transfer to other professions.

“The Catalent staff were very welcoming and they interacted with the children in such a way that they were able to understand some very complex reactions.  It was certainly a school trip to remember.”