The Chemistry Department will be ‘taking’ four students to this year’s Chilterns and Middlesex Royal Society of Chemistry virtual ‘Top of the Bench’ competition. The Channing team will comprise two Year 9 students, one Year 10 student and one Year 11 student. Students who have participated in the competition in previous years are not allowed to take part again. Team members will have the opportunity to participate in a challenging competition with ten rounds of questions and chemical problems. Marking will be carried out by members of the Chilterns and Middlesex Royal Society of Chemistry Committee and the winning team is awarded a trophy, receives a cash prize and will represent the Chilterns and Middlesex Section of the Royal Society of Chemistry at the National Top of the Bench Final. The runners-up also receive prizes.

Last month a team of four students from Years 9-11 took part in the live, online RSC Top of the Bench competition. Zoe Q, Avantika V, Imogen C and Alex M worked together to solve a range of chemical problems, from writing equations to classifying materials. They had to be fearless when tackling unfamiliar topics and communicate effectively to ensure that their knowledge and understanding were taken into account. Dr Spinks was proud of their enthusiasm and positivity; well done!