Top of the Bench

Top of the Bench is a national competition run by the RSC for 14-16 year old students. The competition begins with heats run by RSC Local Sections to select a team to represent the section in the UK final. 

The teams should consist of: 

• 
  two students from Year 9 (in Scotland one from S2)
• one from Year 10 (in Scotland two from S3), and 
• one from Year 11 (in Scotland one from S4).           

The selection period is usually during the autumn term (around October-November) and the selected school team is nominated in early December. 

The format of the heats is not fixed, which allows Local Sections to run their competition in a way that is appropriate for their section resources. Local Sections are encouraged to allow as many schools as possible the opportunity to take part in the heats.

The final is normally held in the following March/April at the Science Museum in London and is organised by our Education department. It comprises three events: 

• a short test of factual chemical knowledge, 
• a practical chemical problem solving team exercise, and 
• an information gathering or comprehension exercise in the Museum.           

Prizes are given for the best overall school performance (the Top of the Bench Team) and for the five runner up teams. The Jacqui Clee Award is given for an outstanding individual contribution to the day. A celebrity normally presents the prizes.

The Final was held on Saturday 26 April 2008.   The Top of the Bench 2008 winner was Highgate School, runners-up was Bishop Wordsworth's School, third place was Dauntsey's School.  Winner of the Jacqui Clee Award was Clementine Chambon from European School of Brussels II.

Contact your nearest Local Section Secretary to find out more about entering a team for the heats.  Contact Ms L Hart for further details about the competition.