College team takes bronze in regional Chemistry competition

A team of three students from Birkenhead Sixth Form College have come third in the largest Chemistry competition of its kind in the UK.

Guilleary Deles, Victoria Davidson and Lily-May Hudson took part in the North West Region Royal Society of Chemistry Young Analyst Competition, pitting their skills against a large number of teams from schools and colleges from across the area.

Working in the University of Liverpool’s recently opened science laboratories, the undergraduate-level tasks involved precisely analysing the content of chlorine and copper in samples of swimming pool water in order to compare the effectiveness of disinfectant treatments.

Guilleary, Victoria and Lily-May’s excellent performances saw them scoop third place and £150 to be spent on science equipment at the College.

Birkenhead Sixth Form College Chemistry teacher, Steve Houghton, said: “Success in the set tasks requires a high level of practical ability, a deep understanding of the Chemistry involved and excellent mathematical skills. We are immensely proud at how well the team performed to come third, competing against many schools and colleges from across the North West region and undertaking work that you would only normally begin to tackle during a degree in Chemistry.”

For more on studying Chemistry at the College, click here.