Year 11 & 12 Chemistry

Year 11 and 12 Chemistry students recently took their studies to the next level with an advanced investigation using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Working with caffeine standards, they tested the caffeine content of everyday favourites—Vittoria Coffee, Moccona, decaf, and tea. The results spoke for themselves: coffee came out on top, while tea edged ahead of the decaf.

To round out the day, students also used chromatography to separate the colourful pigments in plant samples, revealing the hidden complexity in something as simple as a leaf. It was a hands-on chance to see how the techniques of analytical chemistry apply far beyond the classroom, from pharmaceuticals to biotechnology and beyond.

Sabrina Solomons

Science Faculty Leader & Secondary Teacher

"The YRTS staff were super helpful, and the lab work we did gave me a really good idea of what a career in science could look like! It was a great experience that I would love to do again." - Naomi 

"The chemistry excursion on Chromatography allowed myself as a student to apply my theory knowledge from school to real life application. This reinforced my understanding and was a helpful experience." - Irin