Old Palace pupils got the chance to extract DNA from their cheek cells and reproduce it using a special machine operated by visiting lecturer John Scholler from Reading University.
Year 13 Biology students were able to make DNA fingerprints during a workshop conducted by Mr Scholler.
Mr Scholler took time out from his work at the National Centre for Biotechnology Education based at the university to visit the school last term.
Staff member Lucy Matseo said: "One girl said it was an incredible experience to be able to extract your own DNA yourself.
"I think she was overwhelmed by the fact that what she had read about in the papers and on television she was able to do in class.
"A few years ago that wasn't even possible."
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