Our A Level Chemists enjoyed a fantastic afternoon in the lab as we welcomed Dr Peter Hoare from Newcastle University, who brought real‑world chemistry to life with an inspiring hands‑on session.

Students had the opportunity to test the purity of the aspirin they produced in their required practical, using IR spectroscopy to analyse their samples. One group achieved an incredible 99.3% purity — an outstanding result and a testament to their precision and hard work! 

Dr Hoare also delivered a highly engaging NMR revision workshop, helping students boost their confidence and deepen their understanding ahead of the summer exams. 

A huge thank you to Dr Hoare for such an insightful and motivating visit. Experiences like this truly bring learning to life and help our students see the power and excitement of chemistry beyond the classroom.