A-Level Practical Assessment Days
We offer schools the opportunity to bring Year 12 students to the University to carry out a required Chemistry practical experiment in our teaching laboratories. Students will find out more about studying Chemistry at University, as well as the opportunities it can lead to.
The A-Level Practical Assessment Days will take place from 18 - 22 May 2026. They are free of charge, but students will need to bring their own lunch.
Experiment details
Students will prepare a pure organic solid and a test of its purity. They will then create a synthesis and analysis of paracetamol.
Students will gain practical skills in weighing and mixing reagents, refluxing, vacuum filtration, and recrystallisation. They will carry out analysis using melting point, thin layer chromatography, and infra-red spectroscopy (IR).
Booking Your Place
FAQs
What are the planned activities?
Students will experience life as an undergraduate chemist, explore the campus, and have the opportunity to speak to current staff and students in the School of Chemistry.
A sample itinerary for the Practical Day is as follows:
- 09:30 - Arrival and Registration
- 09:45 - Welcome and Introduction
- 10:15 - Lab Session
- 12:15 - Lunch (please bring packed lunch or money to buy food)
- 13:00 - Lab Session
- 15:30 - Evaluation and depart
What are the requirements for the event?
Participants must be in Year 12 and studying A-level Chemistry.
All visitors must abide by our health & safety procedures. Lab coats, safety spectacles and any other personal protective equipment will be provided.
This event is usually oversubscribed, so please only request the number of places you can fill.
Where does the event take place?
Activities will be held in the School of Chemistry on the University of Leeds campus.
Risk Assessments
The risk assessment will be emailed to you along with arrival information, once your places have been confirmed.