Chemists impress in competition

Tonbridge boys achieved a second place finish in the regional heats of the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools’ Analyst Competition. 

Three sixth formers, Luke Moore (WH4), Joe Cawthorne (FH4) and Jack Dalton (FH4), took part in the contest, which tested their practical skills, knowledge, ability to do mathematical calculations and their aptitude for analytical science.

The boys competed against 23 other schools, including Westminster and Dulwich College, in securing second place.

The competition is run by the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Analytical Division and is for Lower Sixth students studying A-level Chemistry or equivalent. 

Each team comprised three students, with an accompanying teacher. David Dickinson, the Chemistry teacher who led the Tonbridge team, said: “Our three boys did extremely well to be chosen in the first place to represent the school, and then they did everyone proud on the day. Their practical skills were impressive, and they were very quick to understand a new technique, Infrared Spectroscopy, which they learned about for the first time.” 

The Schools’ Analyst Competition aims to teach students new skills, as well as giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their existing scientific knowledge.

The boys received Amazon gift vouchers as a prize.