Top of the Bench chemistry competition

I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a chemistry competition organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). The Top of the Bench competition is an exciting annual event designed to inspire and challenge young chemists across the UK. This prestigious competition allows you, as a student, to demonstrate your skills in chemistry, work as a team, and compete against peers from other schools. It’s a fantastic way to engage with the subject outside the classroom, meet like-minded individuals, and even win some great prizes! And as a bonus – it looks great on a CV! Here’s how you can get started:

How the Competition Works

The competition is divided into several stages, each designed to test different aspects of your chemistry knowledge and skills. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

School Selection: The journey begins at your school. Typically, schools hold internal competitions or use teacher recommendations to select their top chemistry students. If you’re interested in participating, let your chemistry teacher know and express your enthusiasm. Ask if your school participates in the TOTB competition and how you can be considered for the team. There are 2 teams of 4 students, each with two Year 9 students, one Year 10 and one Year 11 student.
Preliminary Round: Once selected, your school team will compete in the preliminary round. This consists of 10 written papers, with 8 minutes to do each of them. This tests your factual knowledge of chemistry under timed conditions. Typically the top 10-15 schools will go onto the next round – the Regional Final.
Regional Final: . This will involve a written test and practical challenges. The written test assesses your theoretical knowledge in multiple choice questions, while the practical challenges test your ability to apply that knowledge in a laboratory setting under timed conditions. For the practical challenge, there are often follow up tasks (such as plotting a graph) which you have to do accurately and under the pressure of time. 2 teams from both universities will be chosen to go onto the National Final. The top 3 teams at each university site will get prizes.
National Final: The best teams from the regional heats move on to the national final. This stage is the pinnacle of the competition, featuring more complex challenges and tasks. It’s a day filled with intense competition, collaborative problem-solving, and a chance to meet other top young chemists from across the country.

How to Get Selected

To be chosen as part of your school’s team, you’ll need to demonstrate both your enthusiasm for chemistry and your skill in the subject. Here are a few tips:

Talk to Your Teacher: Let your chemistry teacher know you’re interested in the competition. They can provide you with more information about the selection process and how you can prepare.
Excel in Class: Show your dedication by performing well in your chemistry classes. Your teachers are more likely to recommend students who consistently show strong understanding and interest in the subject.
Participate in Science Clubs: Join any chemistry or science clubs at your school. This shows your commitment and gives you additional practice and knowledge

How to Prepare

Preparation is key to performing well in the TOTB competition. Here are some steps to help you get ready:

Review the GCSE Curriculum: Make sure you have a strong understanding of the chemistry topics covered in your school curriculum. Pay special attention to areas like chemical reactions, the periodic table, and laboratory techniques.
Practice Past Papers: Ask your teacher if they have any past competition papers or sample questions. Practicing these will help you get a feel for the types of questions and challenges you might face.
Conduct Experiments: Hands-on practice is invaluable. If you have access to a lab, spend time conducting experiments and familiarizing yourself with common procedures and equipment. Practise doing experiments under timed conditions whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Study Together: Teamwork is crucial in TOTB. Organize study sessions with your team members to practice and discuss different topics together. This will also help you build chemistry as a team (pun intended!)