The Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ Competition for Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils took place on Thursday 21st January in the David Keir Building,
Queen’s University Belfast. The competition is designed to encourage and reward high achievement and is an excellent opportunity to showcase talent.
Upon arrival Dr. Paul Stevenson took our pupils on a tour of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering which was an eye-opening experience for
the pupi…ls who are only exposed to the laboratory at school. The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering spans across five floors and provided
an unforgettable treat for the students.
The competition certainly tested the pupils’ Chemistry expertise to the limit. Firstly, the pupils’ practical skills were put to the test when they
had to undergo a series of challenging experiments devised by the organisers.
If that wasn’t enough, the pupils then had to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of safety, balancing symbol equations and ionic equations!
Following another short test on general Chemistry questions, the pupils were finally able to relax as a speaker delivered an informative and insightful
talk on a career in Chemistry and the benefits of science.
I am proud and delighted to say that Coleraine Grammar School Chemists scored very highly in all aspects and attained third place. This is truly a
staggering achievement as all schools across the province were represented.
Mrs. Reid (Head of Chemistry)