FOUR Launceston College students took part in the regional heat for the Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ competition for KS3 and KS4 students at the University of Exeter on December 11.

This competition is designed to encourage and reward excellent achievement.

The students took part in two practical tests and a quiz. The students all worked together efficiently to decide which antacid was the most effective and most value for money. They then had to hurry through a series of experiments to determine what chemicals they had been given.

Coral Benfield, Year 10, writes: “On Friday the 11th, a team of four KS4 students — Talan Skerry, Coral Benfield, Abbie Soddy and Tom Barriball — went to Exeter University for the Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ competition.

“The day consisted of two practicals, where we had to work together to complete the task within the time, and a quiz at the end — which teachers were allowed to join in with.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t beat Talan’s mum and Miss Bateman in the quiz!

“However, we still managed to score quite well, gaining 16/20.

“We had an awesome time and great fun in Exeter’s amazing chemistry lab, which gave the competition a masterchef-like atmosphere! I don’t think any of the other schools had quite so many spillages as us, so we had an achievement there!

“This is the first time Launceston College has entered the competition, which has been running for two years, so we didn’t have much idea of what to expect, but we ranked around fourth out of nine other schools.

“We all look forward to next year and being able to help prepare a new team.”