One Gold, Two Silvers and Two Bronzes at the Royal Society of Chemistry's Olympiad
By Adrian Frost (Assistant Principal)
27 April 2009
From left to right, Steven Ambrose - Silver; Robert Marsland - Bronze; Elizabeth Johnson - Bronze; Daniel Stebbings - Gold; Thomas Griffiths - Silver
This year five students from Colchester Sixth Form were entered for the chemistry Olympiad organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. This attracted well over two thousand entries from across the country. All five did really well and each got a medal - one gold, two silvers and two bronzes.
The Winners were: Stephen Ambrose - Silver, Thomas Griffiths - Silver, Elizabeth Johnson - Bronze, Robert Marsland - Bronze, Daniel Stebbings - Gold.
As Chemistry teacher Susan Sabec explained: "The Chemistry Olympiad attracts the most able science students from around the country. The candidates sit a two hour exam. The questions aren't just about recalling facts- instead they require students to apply ideas, and think creatively about problems.
The level is very challenging and to succeed students need an exceptional level of understanding and ability to think analytically. For all of five to gain a medal is an excellent achievement.
Members of staff from right across the Chemistry department have been involved with working with these students and we are all very proud of them.