How do I enter my students into the International Chemistry Olympiad?

The UK team for the International Chemistry Olympiad is selected by the RSC through a competition that is open to all UK Year 13 students (or equivalent). The first round consists of a written paper taken at the students' own institution. Registration can be completed online either by a teacher or by a student.

Contact the Education Department for more information and an application form.

In addition, the online Olympiad offers an opportunity for Year 12 students to test their chemical knowledge. The test consists of multiple choice questions presented in random order. At the end of the test period students receive individual feedback on their performance broken down into the main areas of chemistry.

How do I enter a team into Top of the Bench?

Top of the Bench is a national competition run by the RSC for 14-16 year old students. Teams are entered for the final by the RSC Local Sections, who organise competition heats for as many schools as possible in their local area and select the final team to represent the local section in the UK final. The selection period is normally during the autumn term. Schools interested in participating should contact their Local Section Secretary.

How do I enter a team into the Schools Analyst Competition?

The Schools Analyst Competition is the only national analytical competition for secondary schools and is run by the RSC's Analytical Division (AD) for Year 12 students (or equivalent). To enter a team (3 students), schools must participate in the regional heats organised by the AD Regions and thus, in the first instance, should contact their Regional Honorary Secretary. The winning teams from the regional heats compete in the National final.
In addition to the Regional Heats, a Postal Competition may be organized so that schools located in regions that are unable to run a regional heat may still participate.

Where can I find out what other activities/events are taking place in my local area?

The RSC has divided the country into 35 Local Sections throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Each has its own programme of activities and has a committee which meets several times each year to discuss ideas and initiatives to meet the needs of local members.

Can the RSC recommend a lecturer to give an exciting and interesting lecture or demonstration to school students?

A list of recommended presenters is available on our website. Alternatively, you can contact your Local Section Secretary to find out if they have used lecturers in your area in the past and can comment on their suitability for your event.