At BISS, we believe that true education extends beyond the traditional classroom, reaching into the real-world applications of the subjects our students study. On 17 January 2024, the Year 13 IB Chemistry trip to the SGS Analytical Laboratories in Pudong, Shanghai, stood as a testament to our commitment to providing holistic learning experiences.
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, welcomed our students into a realm where theory meets practice. With clients such as BYD, Xiaomi, Huawei, Decathlon and Nio, SGS plays a vital role in ensuring the quality, safety and compliance of products across various industries.
The purpose of this educational excursion was clear – to expose our Year 13 Chemistry students to the cutting-edge equipment and instruments used in the field of spectroscopy. This hands-on experience was designed to give them a tangible connection between their classroom studies and the practical applications in the professional world.
Upon reaching the laboratories, our 27 students, accompanied by two dedicated Chemistry teachers, were immersed in a series of learning stations. Each station focused on a specific spectroscopic technique, ranging from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence and various thermal analysis instruments (DSC, TGA, DMA, TMA, Rheometer…).
The students actively participated in analysing samples and comparing the working principles of Infrared and Mass Spectroscopy with their theoretical understanding from IB Chemistry Topic 11. The guidance of enthusiastic laboratory technicians allowed them to navigate through the complexities of each technique, gaining valuable practical insights.
More than just an exploration of scientific instruments, this trip emphasised the critical role of Chemistry in ensuring the safety and efficacy of new materials, components and systems. Laboratory testing, as demonstrated at SGS, is not just a theoretical concept but a practical necessity to check quality, control manufacturing processes and calibrate measuring devices.
Beyond academic knowledge, the students took away important life skills. They learned that chemists need to be resilient, adaptable, knowledgeable, be able to self-manage, collaborate effectively and communicate well. These qualities, discovered through hands-on experiences, are not only beneficial in the field of Chemistry but are essential life skills that will serve them in their future endeavours.
We are pleased to announce that through this trip, we have established a valuable working relationship with SGS. It is our hope to turn this educational excursion into an annual tradition, allowing future IB Chemistry students to benefit from this immersive experience once they have completed their studies in spectroscopy. This ongoing collaboration with SGS reflects our commitment to providing dynamic and meaningful learning opportunities, ensuring our students are well equipped for success in their academic and professional pursuits.
