CALNE, U.K. -- Run by St Catherine’s College, Cambridge, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge for Year 12 aims to stretch and challenge students interested in chemistry.

The challenge is in its third year and provides an excellent experience for anyone considering taking their studies further. Set by an experienced team of teachers and university chemists, it is designed to be accessible to Year 12 students but takes them significantly beyond the syllabus and encourages them to think about science in the way they would at university.

Inspired by recent events, students were asked questions relating to the chemistry behind the recent ‘horse meat in burgers’ scandal and investigations into the prehistoric water found earlier in the year.

More than 6200 students from the UK and international centres in China, Thailand and Singapore took part so the competition is tough. Awards are given in 4 Levels – Roentgenium (top 1%), Gold (top 8%), Silver (top 20%) and Copper (60%).

Our students not only embraced the challenge but also achieved recognition for their work. Receiving a Gold award, placing her in the top 8% of all participants was Lydia West. Cathryn Coleman and Alex Roberts achieved Silver Awards meaning they achieved a top 20% ranking and Jack Conroy, Chloe Smart, Tom Gray and Joshua Seymour all achieved Copper awards.

Much has been spoken recently about the ‘resilience’ of A level students and the importance of students keeping going with questions and challenges in the face of difficulty. This paper is designed to test and encourage the development of these skills, and our students have once again shown us that they are up to the challenge!

“We are delighted with the high marks achieved by our year 12 students in this challenging and prestigious test. This demonstrates their keen scientific minds and potential as professional scientists.”

Kirsty Bouchard, Science Teacher