A wonderful opportunity

A Sixth Form student enjoyed a wonderful opportunity this summer which was arranged for him by Worth’s Head of Science.

Tomoya Shiina, who is now in Year 13, spent a fascinating day work shadowing at Surrey University, giving him a taste of what university life will be like. The experience was arranged by Mrs Andi Kirpalani, Head of Science.

Tomoya wrote this account of his opportunity:

“I was looking for a place where I could get experience in Chemistry beyond study in the school during the summer holidays. However, due to the COVID situation, I was not able to find any companies/universities which offer opportunities for students. However, I was extremely lucky that when I asked Mrs Kirpalani, she was able to contact Surrey University to offer me work shadowing with Professor James Wright.

“On the day, I went to the university campus and went straight to the lab with an undergraduate student and the professor. We conducted several experimental techniques which are above senior school level. We carried out processes including reflux, recrystallization and vacuum filtration of tin iodide, auto pipetting and UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry and went over common mistakes.

“It helped me in several ways. Firstly, it gave me an insight to what undergraduate chemistry is like. The experimental works were much more precise than senior school level especially in the analytical aspect which was both challenging but also interesting. Also, though the experiments were tough, it made me realise that basic principles we learn at A Level and practicals in lessons could be applied to university level practicals as well.

“It was a very fruitful day and made my aspiration to study Chemistry at university even stronger. I am very grateful to Mrs Kirpalani and Dr Wright for organising this day.”

At Worth, support for our students comes in many ways, helping each and every one to achieve the most that they can in life.

For more on the Sixth Form at Worth click here.