NEPIC Science Education Unit

TOP OF THE BENCH

Date: November
Duration: Approximately 2 hours for the heats and 3 hours for the finals
Location: Heats - at various schools throughout the Tees Valley Area. Finals-local University
Key Stage: KS3 and KS4 (Years 9, 10 and 11)

Top of the Bench is a national competition run by the RSC for 14-16 year old students. The competition begins with 4 qualifying heats run by NEPIC Science Education Unit. Each qualifying heat consists of four rounds of questions of factual chemical knowledge. The winners of each heat plus the four highest scoring losers attend a local final to select a team to represent the North East in the UK final. The local final will contain a practical element to the competition and the winners are awarded a shield. Each team consists of:
- two students from year 9
- one student from year 10
- one student from year 11

The final is normally held in the following March/April at the Science Museum in London and is organised by the RSC 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.

Attachments

Event Flyer
Photographs
School Entry Form
Evaluation Form