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Year 13 Chemists Explore University-Level Lab Work at Imperial College
On Wednesday 7 January, twenty-four Year 13 Chemistry students from Westminster City School visited Imperial College London for a full day laboratory experience, accompanied by Miss Clarke, giving them the opportunity to work in a university research environment and extend their practical skills beyond the classroom.
During the session, students synthesised an ester, ethyl ethanoate, using techniques and equipment that they are unfamiliar with in their usual setting. They heated reactions under reflux using an air condenser, separated products with separating funnels, and analysed the purity of their final compounds using infrared spectrometer. Throughout the day, students worked with confidence, precision and clear communication, applying their theoretical knowledge in a demanding practical setting.
Students commented on how varied the day was as they were able to gain insight into university level science whilst strengthening their confidence ahead of their exams. Comments from students included the following:
“Learning about how to do the experiment and how issues can arise was the best part of the day because it makes the practical skills for exams easier to understand.”
“Using high level equipment that we don’t have at school was the best part of the day.”
Students also had the chance to speak with Imperial College ambassadors while working in the labs, learning more about undergraduate study, master’s degrees, PhDs and day-to-day life at university.
Miss Clarke, Head of Chemistry and Oxbridge Coordinator at Westminster City School said that she was very impressed with the group’s approach and maturity throughout the visit. She added:
“I was proud to see how the students worked with precision, clear communication and academic rigour when faced with new equipment and unfamiliar methods. They produced some excellent and very pure products.”
Thank you to the Reach Out Lab at ICL for the day and opportunity for our students to expand and practice their chemical skills and knowledge outside the classroom!
