TAVISTOCK College recently played host to almost 300 Year 5 students from the local primary schools to experience an exploration of 'Fire and Ice'.

The children were treated to a visual and auditory feast by Justin Smith, the newly appointed head of science at the college.

Learning how particles behave under different circumstances and different temperatures, they saw clouds created before their eyes, rockets fired by reacting methane and oxygen, flowers frozen and smashed like glass, ice cream made with liquid nitrogen and hydrogen-filled balloons exploded.

Thanks were expressed to Nigel Larcombe-Williams, a parent at Tavistock College, who sponsored the event by funding the cost of transport.

He said: 'This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to take part in scientific learning, and events of this kind only promote enquiring minds and an appetite for further study. Well done, Tavistock College.'

Principal Helen Salmon said: 'Fire and Ice was a sensation. It brought science to life for 300 Year 5 students.

'Justin Smith demonstrated that science is fun and can stimulate the children's curiosity.'

The event was part of the transition events held at the college in order to provide extra experiences to children in the upper years of primary school and allow them to familiarise themselves with the college. It follows the successful literary quiz and DT workshops.