Year 13 Chemistry Olympiad Achievements
This year’s 58th International Chemistry Olympiad challenged some of our Year 13 chemistry students to think well beyond the classroom, applying their knowledge to unfamiliar, complex, and thought-provoking problems.
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Spendylove and Zaynab, who were awarded Bronze Medals, reflecting their perseverance and strong analytical skills. An outstanding accomplishment was also achieved by Matilda and Marwa, who earned Silver Medals, placing them among the top-performing students in an exceptionally competitive field that included many independent schools. We are incredibly proud of all four students, who will go on to study medicine and neuroscience at university next year.
The Olympiad is renowned for its creative and unconventional questions. This year, students explored topics ranging from the chemistry of henna tattoos to the role of molecular orbitals in carotenes, and even the science behind why you shouldn’t pee in a swimming pool. Such questions demanded not only a deep understanding of chemistry, but also originality and the confidence to apply knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.
These achievements are a testament to the students’ dedication, curiosity, and intellectual ambition. They should be immensely proud of their success.