Four Trinity Fourth Year students have earned an impressive third-place finish in the regional final of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Chemistry Challenge, marking the school’s strongest performance in the competition for several years.
Seb, Jack, Sze Hang and Sam first secured their place in the regional event after excelling in the opening round of the competition earlier this year. The team scored over 80% in a demanding chemistry quiz featuring a range of question styles and topics from across the subject, earning selection for the next stage at Kingston University.
Their achievement was significant even before the final began. They are the first Trinity team in five years to progress beyond the initial round and were one of only eight teams across the South East invited to compete, placing them among the top-performing groups in the region.
The challenge day tested far more than scientific knowledge. Students tackled questions on materials science, studied and analysed information about pre- and post-decimalisation coinage, completed memory and problem-solving tasks, answered multiple-choice questions and undertook practical laboratory activities.
Throughout the competition, the Trinity team demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience and curiosity, working collaboratively across a wide range of unfamiliar challenges.
Their efforts were rewarded with an outstanding third-place finish. As part of their prize, the students received Royal Society of Chemistry gifts, Amazon vouchers and secured a donation from the RSC to support Trinity’s Chemistry Department.
The day also offered a fascinating glimpse into university-level study. Students toured Kingston University’s research laboratories, learning how chemicals are produced and analysed by Pharmacy students. They also visited a simulated hospital ward and pharmacy, complete with working equipment and training facilities, to see how future healthcare professionals learn skills such as prescribing medication and taking blood samples.
Mr Borley, Teacher of Chemistry, who accompanied the students just before half term, praised their performance, saying: “They were excellent in their teamwork throughout the day, and I was incredibly impressed when they were awarded third place. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects both their enthusiasm for Chemistry and their ability to work together under pressure.”
Congratulations to Seb, Jack, Sze Hang and Sam on representing Trinity so brilliantly!
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