Sprowston High School have been victorious in the East Anglian heats at the annual Top of the Bench Science Investigation Day, and will go on to compete in the national finals in 2017.
The team of Harrison Death, Year 11, Elita Tmava, Year 9, Charlotte Smith, Year 9, and Michael Walker, Year 10, were victorious at the event on November 11.
Andrew John, Headteacher at Sprowston, said: 'I am absolutely delighted with the success of our students in being the regional winners in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Top of the Bench Competition. We have one of the best Science Faculties in the county, and I am so proud of their latest achievement. A superb team effort.'
Sixty young scientists from across the region were invited to the regional schools event, where they were tasked with chemical conundrums around the theme of the Olympics.
Wayne Chapman, Head of Applied Science at the school, said: 'Our students faced stiff competition from fourteen other schools and showed great determination, logical thinking, safe working, skill and teamwork to complete the four tough practical challenges of the day.
'The judges were particularly impressed with how well the Sprowston team worked together to complete the detailed tasks they had been set. The four students are thrilled that they now advance to the National Finals held at Loughborough University in April.'
Dr Sean Thurston, an education coordinator for the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: 'The Top of the Bench Regional Heats were a fantastic event that brought together schools from across the Region to compete in a range of chemical challenges. It's been a while since East Anglia had a National winner… so fingers crossed for this year!'
The main aim of the project, which was hosted at Briar Chemicals Ltd. was to challenge budding young scientists to undertake experiments they had not witnessed before, and still draw clear conclusions from their results. However, when working in a real laboratory, the youngsters could also realise the industrial potential of their science skills.
Tim Green, site manager at Briar Chemicals, said: 'It's a pleasure for us to host this event again this year. It's a great way to challenge these young Chemistry students and the tasks are not easy! It's always an interesting morning which often throws up surprises.'
The winning team of four from Sprowston Community High School will go on to compete in Loughborough University in Easter 2017, and are very much looking forward to the challenge.
Coming in second behind Sprowston High School was Bury St Edmunds County Upper, with Gresham's School in third.
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