Fourteen Year 12 teams from secondary schools and colleges from around the region took part in Lancaster University’s first hosting of the regional heat for the RSC Schools’ Analyst Competition on Wednesday 25^th April.

Taking part were Bolton School (Boys’ Division), Runshaw College, Winstanley College, Austin Friars School, Kirkbie Kendal School, Nelson and Colne College, Westholme School, St. Mary’s College, Blackburn, Ripley St. Thomas Church of England Academy, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith, Rossall School, Our Lady’s Catholic High School, Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School and Withington Girl’s Grammar School.

The students competed in a demanding and challenging lab practical which involved measuring protein in two samples, one of which was adulterated with melamine. This was based on a real life scandal in China in 2008 where baby formula was contaminated with melamine. To complete the analysis the students were also required to synthesise gold nano particles.

The overall winners were St. Mary’s College, Blackburn with 2nd place going to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith and 3rd place to Bolton School (Boys’ Division). St. Mary’s College student Olivia Bourne said: "The RSC School’s Analyst Competition was one of the most challenging but rewarding things I’ve done whilst at college. It allowed my team and I to use higher level practical and analytical techniques which pushed us beyond the A Level curriculum and gave us a feel for what a science degree at university would be like. I feel like I learnt a lot from the competition and I really enjoyed it. "

St. Mary’s College Blackburn will be heading off to the finals at Bangor University in June and we wish them every success.