Cambridge University Chemistry Challenge

Eleven of our S6 pupils were recently presented with an award by Cambridge University for their efforts in their 2023 Chemistry Challenge.

The competition aims to stretch and challenge pupils interested in chemistry, but takes them significantly beyond the syllabus, encouraging them to think about science in the way they would at university. Even with over 10,130 entries this year, and a record number of students across the UK and some international centers in China, Thailand and Singapore, our pupils continued to excel.

Craig B. received the Gold award which places him in the top 10% of entries. Further achievements were awarded to Alex R., Dave N., Lauren E., and Lucy McQ. who gained Silver awards and Beth S., Dhruv S., Drew B., Eesa I., Evan A., and Rachel L. gaining Copper Awards.*

The competition takes the form of a 90-minute written paper set by an experienced team of teachers and university chemists, and Chemistry Teacher, Dr Smith said,

“This was a really excellent paper and an extremely interesting and challenging exercise for our top pupils. One question highlighted that chemistry is all about electrons since bonding interactions are formed as electrons are transferred or shared between atoms. There are different ways of drawing structures to represent electron movements, but some give unrealistic charges whilst other structures may break the ‘8-electron rule’. The synthesis of LamisilTM used in treating athlete’s foot was used to illustrate this.”

Continuing, Dr Smith said,

“Another question highlighted the ‘crazy’ chemistry of bismuth, Bi. Directly underneath two poisonous elements arsenic and antimony in Group 15, and coming after the toxic elements mercury, thallium and lead in Period 6, bismuth metal has been used as a ‘safe’ and even ‘healthy’ alternative to lead, for example in fishing weights and even shotgun pellets.”

Congratulations to all involved for not only taking part but excelling in this highly challenging competition.

*Not all pictured.