Tuesday 24 April 2012 A team of young scientists from The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) found the winning formula in a prestigious student chemistry competition, with 50% of the team coming from one family in Horsforth. The Li brothers, Matthew, Year 11, and Harry, Year 9, were half of the GSAL team which triumphed in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Top of the Bench competition 2012. Along with team mates Caroline Taylor, Year 9 from Bramhope and Daniel Voice, Year 10 from Thorner, they had won through tough regional heats to earn their place in the national final as Central Yorkshire Regional Champions. The final, held at Imperial College London, comprised a thirty minute individual written examination before a two hour team practical, which Kim McDougall, Chemistry teacher at GSAL, described as a tough but hugely enjoyable day for the students and accompanying staff. Mrs McDougall said, “It was an absolute pleasure to be in the company of four exceptional students who are great ambassadors for GSAL. We are very proud of the achievement of our team in this prestigious competition; they tackled successfully the type of practical analytical work and associated calculations which students normally encounter for the first time in A level Chemistry courses.” Aged 13, Harry is the youngest team member. He said, “I learnt a lot from working with older students – although the written test was easier for my age group the practical was the same standard for all the team and was very challenging.” Daniel plans to continue studying science beyond GCSE. He said, “The competition was very inspiring – it was great to experience the university and work in the labs there. Our weekly sessions with Mrs McDougall had prepared us well for the competition and helped us to bond as a team.” This is GSAL’s first ever Top of the Bench win. As well as receiving individual vouchers, the team won a trophy and £500 for the school’s Chemistry department, presented by Dr Jason Riley from Imperial College. Rio Hutchings, Programme Manager for Enrichment and Enhancement at the Royal Society of Chemistry, said, “The competition is always hotly contested by a wide range of talented youngsters from all over the country. The fixture is highly anticipated and a well-known feature of the Royal Society of Chemistry calendar. It’s a significant achievement by the Grammar School at Leeds and we offer our congratulations to the contestants and staff.” The team pictured with Dr Jason Riley are l-r Matthew Li, Caroline Taylor, Daniel Voice and Harry Li. Image © Michele Panzeri 2012 General Senior School News
