A CHEMICAL company has discovered the winning formula when it comes to encouraging interest amongst youngsters in science.

Thanks to a growing partnership with a nearby school, Cross Hills-based Airedale Chemical is helping fuel pupils’ passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Year-four children from Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School were surveyed following a recent visit to the plant.

They were asked about the effect the experience had on their attitudes towards science.

More than 90 per cent of the children said that as a result of the visit, they were more aware of how science was used in everyday life.

And over two thirds said they would now consider a career in STEM.

The survey also highlighted differing attitudes towards science between male and female students.

Before the visit, none of the girls regarded science as their favourite lesson.

But afterwards, 83 per cent said science was now their most-liked subject.

The number of girls consequently considering a science-related career increased by 34 per cent.

During the visit, the pupils carried out experiments in the Skipton Road company’s new product development laboratory, explored Airedale Chemical’s specialist fleet of lorries and learned about how the products are used.

Chris Chadwick, the firm’s managing director, welcomed the results of the survey.

“They are so gratifying for us,” he said.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School and the main aim of the work we do together is to inspire this kind of interest.

“These children are our next generation of chemists, so to hear directly from them what a difference our relationship is having is incredibly rewarding.

“The pupils never fail to amaze us with their thirst for knowledge and their enthusiasm.

“It is a joy to have them here at our premises.”

Julia Forster, year-four teacher at the school, said: “We can see that the children get a lot out of the visits but this survey has been a great way to quantify how it helps pupils get to grips with chemistry and how science is working all around us.”