Chemistry Department Internship Programme
The Chemistry Department has set up an internship programme for students doing A2 Chemistry, where the students can go into the labs and help the technicians prepare and clean the equipment/ solutions before and after experiments. The aim of this programme is to give students laboratory experience before they move onto university and the world of work. Two of the key things they pick up as interns are the opportunity to build up their skills beyond basic experimentation (which they will have done at AS level) and learning to follow instructions, as the chemistry labs can be quite a high-risk zone.
These student interns get to participate in this programme once a week (during a free lesson) for half an hour periods, and must do so 1-2 students at a time. As there are only 18 slots but 30 A2 students, those who want to get involved must pass a test: earning Mr Vivian’s trust. This is based on previous knowledge of the students and their personalities- are they safe people to bring into such an environment?
This programme, to many people’s surprise, started six years ago when a sixth form student in the leadership team noticed how overworked the technicians looked and decided to do something about it. At the time, the programme only had three interns- but has grown massively since then and has benefitted both staff and students, especially the students resitting the AS practical exam.
One of the initial difficulties faced as the programme was being set up, according to Mr Vivian, was how the students adapted to sharing a workspace that was originally a staff-only zone; however, that was quickly overcome with time and a growing atmosphere of friendliness and mentorship.
Here’s what a few of the students had to say about their experiences:
Rowan Khalil:
I joined because last year, when I was doing AS chemistry, I was quite jealous of all the interns. There is this sense of ‘elite-ness’ about being an intern. I mean, they get to go inside the forbidden palace with all the hidden treasures (the chemicals) and get to prepare them for everyone else to use. Sign me up, please! It’s really exciting because I love chemistry so much (here is some love for Mr Marchant and Mr Vivian) and I love the lab work. Yes, I can be a little bit clumsy. Yes, I broke a burette last year. Hopefully, history won’t repeat itself. It wasn’t anything serious though; I just majorly embarrassed myself…
This year, I expect to learn to have better practical skills, which is kind of the whole point of the programme, I would imagine. (And that was my professional answer.) I hope to spill less acid because my hands have experienced as many acids and alkalis in their lifetime as they did H2O. The hydrogens are dancing- let me tell you that.
My favourite part of the internship, bearing in mind that I had only had one session so far, is getting to interact with the technicians- they’re extremely nice! Also, getting to see the entirety of the chemistry staff room and the lab. I still can’t believe I get to be in there and not get kicked out- note the ‘elite-ness’. I was not very welcome in the staff room initially but then got a tour- thanks Mr Wade! I like preparing the chemicals as well because I’m allowed to use “things” which wouldn’t normally be used in regular lessons.
Robert Saleb:
What made me gravitate the most towards being a chemistry intern was the opportunity it offered for further exploration of more advanced, lab-oriented chemistry- as well as the possibility of seeing/interacting with more complex equipment in action. For me, chemistry beyond A level is a truly exciting field; and I was hoping to, via this program, catch at least a superficial glimpse of what may be in store for me in the future. I am hoping that this internship will give my knowledge of chemistry a more professional gravitas.
Although at the time of writing this I have only been an intern for one session, my favourite part thus far has been the collaboration with our wonderful technicians who provide a unique, meaningful, and practical learning experience. Their knowledge, guidance and overall experience help to create an exceptionally invigorating environment like no other.
AbdelRahman Hafez:
Part of the reason I joined was because I really wanted to see what happened behind the scenes, things such as all the different chemicals that are available (and hidden) in school and how the equipment was cleaned out after experiments. I also liked the idea of having experience working in a lab.
It would be difficult to narrow down my favourite part about this programme to just one thing, but a definite highlight would be getting to know the technicians, shadowing them- and as I mentioned before, working behind the scenes.
Mohadeseh Arefanian:
Getting into this programme was really exciting because I’ve always wanted to go behind the scenes and know what happens there… Also, I wanted to see the “magic staircase” in the chemistry staff room. Apart from that, lab safety has always intrigued me- especially since I might end up in labs at university and in the workplace; the programme offered a bit of extra practice- and that’s always good.
My favourite part would have to be- hands down- the technicians. They’re just so warm and welcoming. The programme is great but they’re the ones who really make it worthwhile with their friendliness and the conversations we have, and I’m grateful for them.
A big thank you to Mr. Vivian for making this article possible, and to the students who contributed such detailed answers.
If you’d like to learn more about the Chemistry department at NES, make sure to give them a follow on Twitter @NESChemistry
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