Hornchurch students try out DNA testing skills at “crime scene”

A school became a crime scene last week as students tried to solve a mystery through DNA testing.

Year 7 students at Sanders Draper School, in Hornchurch, are studying forensic science. Pictured are Matthew Napier, Kai Went, and Enric Vulpe, with science teacher Tom Dean. - Credit: Archant

Students in Year 7 at Sanders Draper School, in Suttons Lane, were forensic scientists for the day to pass a special science award from the British Science Association.

The group of 29 found out about fingerprinting, foot prints and other techniques used to solve crimes before they solved a mystery of their own to find out who the murderer was in a crime scene set up in the Hornchurch school.

They are working towards a bronze in the Crest Awards before the end of the term.

Head of science at the school, Tom Dean, said: “The students have really enjoyed using forensic science techniques and using them in a crime situation.

“They see it all the time on television programmes so they have really enjoyed being able to do it themselves.”