January 19th , 2023 saw the keenly anticipated return of the Regional Heat of the Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench Competition at Queen’s University, Belfast. This competition is designed to encourage and reward high achievement in the field of Chemistry, and it provides an excellent opportunity to showcase talent from throughout Northern Ireland. The theme of the competition was sustainability as much current post-graduate research is based in this area and it is, of course, of immense significance. The competition comprised of a written test, laboratory work and a table quiz. The students also had to design a poster exploring how sustainability is promoted in school. In recent years Wallace has developed considerable expertise in this area and our commitment to sustainability and “green” issues can be seen in many practical decisions taken daily in school.
Wallace nominated a team of four students; Lucy Mahood from Year 12, Patrick Bell from Year 11 and Maurice Parke and Erin Hughes from Year 10. The students were selected based on their academic performance in 2021-2022 and we were delighted to receive second place in what was only our second time in the competition. Competitions of this nature are a valuable element of the school’s Gifted and Talented programme, overseen by Senior Teacher Mr Neal McKnight, and provide excellent opportunities for research, teamwork and the development of presentational skills.
Mrs Kerry Reid observed the team in action and noted:
“ The students’ knowledge, teamwork and leadership skills were very evident during the competition and they were genuinely deserving of this award. Hopefully the competition has fostered their already keen interest in the subject of Chemistry and has given them insights into the application of the subject in our ever- changing economy and environment.”
Last modified: February 24, 2023
