College chemists impress in science competition

THREE young scientists from Warrington’s Priestley College impressed in a test of mettle against their peers from across the North West.
Chris Cox, Zoe Fairfax and Chloe Tildsley had to work out how much iron there was in Irn-Bru as well as calcium in milk during the competition held at Liverpool University.
They finished third out of more than 25 schools from the region – nearly half of which were teams from grammar or independent schools.
Chris, a former pupil at St Gregory’s RC High School, said: “We didn’t think it had gone that well so we were really surprised to finish third overall.”
To qualify for The Royal Society of Chemistry’s competition Priestley’s trio first had to secure an A grade in their mock exam in December.
During the competition they were given several challenges with a basic method to follow. It tested their knowledge and ability to apply classroom theory in a new environment.
“We got to see what a university laboratory is like, which was great for me as I want to go on to study Chemistry,” said Chloe, who previously studied at The Heath.
Priestley’s students had practised several times after college in the run-up to the competition.
During the test in Liverpool they had to use techniques including titration and spectroscopy to solve the problems they were given.
Former Culcheth High School pupil Zoe said: “It was a great experience and we were all really glad to have taken part.”