In mid-February, thirty six Oundle pupils took on the significant challenge of The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Chemistry Olympiad with three pupils, Michael Hutchinson, Harry Hutchinson and Oscar Marshall striking Gold. For the first time L6 pupils also took part in the challenge.
Chemistry teacher, Dr James Bessent commented, “This two hour paper is a true test of a pupil’s chemical expertise. Not only does it test recall but also an ability to apply their knowledge to novel and demanding problems. The questions are above and beyond what they would expect to face in a traditional A-level or PreU examination.”
In addition to the three gold medals awarded, ten pupils received silver medals and fourteen pupils achieved bronze medals.
Each year The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) organise the selection of the UK team for the Olympiad Competition. The successful students go on to take part in an International Final. The selection for the competition is open to all post-16 students who sit the challenging written test of chemical knowledge with the questions in Round One helping to develop some of the skills required for study at university and beyond.