Science

Titration Stakes Competition 2025

On Tuesday, 17 June 2025, Claire Decena, Saugat Ghimire, Jeswin Jiji, Sheryl Matchado, Nadine Retallack, and Katriel Rivadenera proudly represented St Norbert College in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s (RACI) annual Titration Stakes. The ‘stakes’ were high as the competition tested students' practical skills and knowledge of acid-base chemistry.

The competition involved standardising a solution and using it to determine the number of moles in an unknown sample. Students competed both individually and in two teams against 341 students and 116 teams from 41 schools across the Perth metropolitan area. The results were extremely close, with accuracy measured to the fourth decimal place.

The 2025 RACI Titration Competition was a true statewide event, with schools competing at Curtin University, ECU Joondalup, or from regional WA. St Norbert College students attended the competition at Curtin University, where they experienced a real undergraduate laboratory environment and had the opportunity to interact with students from other schools and Curtin chemistry students. They were also fortunate to receive a guided tour of the university’s lab facilities, seeing first-hand the professional equipment they have studied in class.

Congratulations to Saugat Ghimire and Nadine Retallack for receiving a High Distinction and a Distinction, respectively, for their individual titrations. Saugat’s result was within 0.5% of the true value, while Nadine’s was within 1%—both incredibly accurate and a testament to their refined skills and attention to detail.

Well done to all students for their participation, enthusiasm, maturity, and dedication throughout the competition.

A special thank you to our wonderful lab technicians, Ms Debbie Nugent and Ms Patricia Re, for preparing practice solutions and glassware for the event.

Student Reflections

Katriel Rivadenera: Despite the tense environment of the Titration Competition, the staff and students from other schools were very supportive. As I stepped through the titration process, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of curiosity and excitement. This tedious experiment may sound boring on paper, but when we applied what we’ve learnt in class, I began to understand the joy of science—and why we do what we do. I hope younger students find interest in this competition and enjoy it as much as I did.

Sheryl Matchado: Participating in this year’s titration competition was an amazing opportunity and a fantastic experience. My teammates and I had a great time, and it was exciting to step into a setting that mirrors what university life offers. We experienced real-world lab work beyond the classroom, which helped us build our practical skills. I highly recommend the competition to future Year 12 Chemistry students—it’s great fun, and who knows, maybe you’ll win!

Nadine Retallack: Taking part in the RACI Titration Competition was a great experience that allowed me to connect with my classmates. It was a unique opportunity to apply practical skills in a real-world laboratory setting and engage with chemistry beyond the classroom. The labs were impressive, and the competition was a good balance of challenge and focus, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.

Claire Decena: The titration competition was an insightful and joyful experience. Exploring the Curtin laboratories was eye-opening—I was able to see the real-life equivalents of many machines we’ve learned about in class. The competition itself was fun yet stressful, as we worked individually and under time pressure.

Saugat Ghimire: The titration competition on June 17 was an unforgettable night. I felt immense gratitude for the chance to work in such an advanced facility, particularly the Curtin chemistry labs, which I found both pleasing and inspiring. Competing alongside my classmates and using all the professional equipment made it a memorable experience. The competition has even prompted me to reconsider my career path—perhaps something in chemistry. Thank you to RACI and Ms MaGee for transporting us to the campus.

Jeswin Jiji: The Titration Competition was a very enjoyable experience. Our group was in awe as we entered the laboratories. The scientific and experimental atmosphere was captivating—even a little intimidating at first. Competing as a team and challenging ourselves to complete our titrations using professional lab equipment was exciting. The competition was also a great way to connect with students from other schools and rekindle my love for the practical side of chemistry. 

Miss K MaGee

(Head of House - Kilnacrott & Chemistry Teac)