Several HSDC students have been put to the test again this year whilst competing in a top science competition.
Sixteen HSDC Havant students participated in this year’s Chemistry Olympiad, with nine students securing awards including four silver awards, putting those individuals in the top 33% of entrants.
The Chemistry Olympiad is run by the Royal Society of Chemistry and is aimed at second-year A Level chemistry students, although some first-year students do also participate.
First-year student Katarina Hill who was awarded a bronze award said:
“The Chemistry Olympiad competition was definitely a challenge, however, the questions were very interesting. The questions were applied to different outside scenarios and the content was high level. I am hoping to take part again next year too!”
First-year student Artem Nugmanov also took home a bronze award this year, adding:
“I found it quite challenging but a really great experience. It is also a really good thing to be able to put onto my CV and to include on a personal statement when applying for university.
I am hoping to participate again next year and hope to achieve silver or gold! I aim to study Chemistry at university therefore taking part in the Chemistry Olympiad will really help me.”
David Brimecombe, Science Lecturer at HSDC Havant said:
“The Chemistry Olympiad is run by the Royal Society of Chemistry and is aimed at second-year A Level chemistry students. The Olympiad is a set of extremely hard chemistry questions that apply the content that the students have learnt in class to real-world scenarios. These questions are phrased in a different way from typical exam questions and are more challenging than standard A Level questions.
Although the competition is aimed at second-year chemistry students, first-years are also able to enter however they will not have learnt all the relevant content yet.
This year we had twelve first-years enter the competition and five of these obtained bronze awards which is an incredible achievement. We also had four second-year students enter and all four of these obtained silver awards. A silver award places students in the top 33% of entrants and a bronze places them within the top 70%. I am very proud of all the students who chose to enter and take part in the competition.”
A huge congratulations to all students involved, what an achievement!