Top Regional Chemists

A team of pupils from Red House overcame tough competition from a field of 32 regional finalists in this year’s ‘Top of the Bench’ competition, a national Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) competition, organised locally by educational staff from NEPIC (North East Process Industry Cluster). The winning Red House team, which progress to the national finals in March, consisted of Cameron Grove, (Yr 9), Matthew Wales (Yr 9), Ali Ijaz (Yr 10) and Lewis Blakey (Yr 11).

The competition, held at Durham University Stockton campus, saw Red House pupils crowned overall regional winners after battling it out in both classroom and practical chemistry challenges.  With the support and encouragement of the school’s Head of Chemistry, David Frank, the Red House team will travel to London to pitch their wits against the best of science talent from across the UK.

Their tutor, Mr Frank, who has taught chemistry at Red House for over 24 years, commented: “I was already proud that they had entered the regional final with the highest point score of the heats, and now to see them as champions is a wonderful achievement. In addition to the challenges of the competition itself, working in the Durham University labs has been great experience for them, and I hope it has inspired them to continue studying chemistry beyond their GCSEs and A Levels.”

Winning student, 16 year old Lewis Blakey, is no stranger to regional competition success. In addition to his love of science, Lewis is also a top trampolining athlete, and has represented his school in the National Schools Competition in the Under 15 Elite Boys category.

He said: “I entered the Top of the Bench heats on crutches after breaking my leg on the trampoline, which made the practical work a bit tricky! But I am thrilled to be heading off to the national finals next year, before my GCSE exams, and I definitely now think I should consider a future career in science.”