Cambridge University Chemistry Challenge Success

Eleven S6 pupils were presented with an award by Cambridge University for their participation in the 2022 Chemistry Challenge, with one of our senior Chemists achieving Gold.

With over 8,400 entries from students across the UK, and some international centres in China, Thailand and Singapore, competition was tough. However, our pupils held their own with Rohan gaining the impressive Gold Award, placing him in the top 10% of the competition. Annvita, Robin, Esther, and Rachel, gained Silver Awards, with Isabella, Laibah, Jamie, Esther, Elli and Raheel, gaining Copper Awards.

All pupils performed exceptionally well, and a notable mention goes to Rohan for taking Gold and Annvita who was one mark away from Gold.

Chemistry Teacher, Dr Smith, said; “This was an excellent paper and an extremely interesting and challenging exercise for our top students. Topics covered in this paper included the concept of ‘double bond equivalents’ which illustrated a few of the applications of this useful concept in organic chemistry using IR spectroscopy to identify structures. An interesting aluminium chemistry question was also included.”

The Lower Sixth Competition takes the form of a 90-minute written paper set by an experienced team of Teachers and University Chemists and aims to stretch and challenge students interested in chemistry. It is designed to be accessible to S6 students but takes them significantly beyond the syllabus and encourages them to think about science in the way they would at University.

Congratulations to all pupils on your impressive achievements, your awards are thoroughly deserved.