Five Barrow A-level students have proved they are among the brightest chemists in the country after achieving awards in the 54th annual UK Chemistry Olympiad.
Barrow Sixth Form College students Ben Patel, Emma Whittaker, Phoebe Postlethwaite and Toby Wilson, achieved silver awards in the prestigious national competition while Jake Warren scooped a high–marked bronze.
The students were among the elite chemistry students nationwide who took part in the event, which is run by the Royal Society of Chemistry to challenge students. It includes a written paper on real-world chemistry problems and is a chance to showcase skills required at university level.
They are all in the second year of their A-levels at the Rating Lane campus. Toby, a former St. Bernard’s pupil has received an offer from Cambridge University to study medicine, helping him get closer to his dream of becoming a doctor.
Toby said he found the exam challenging but he was glad to be awarded a silver.
“I was really happy with my award as I got to apply my knowledge that I have learnt in A-level chemistry to new situations.
“This exam, because it is for the brightest students, has allowed me to push myself.”
Former Dowdales pupil Emma Whittaker said she was surprised to be awarded silver.
“I found the exam really challenging but I am glad that I have come away with a silver. I enjoy chemistry as a subject at college and it was nice to be able to apply my knowledge to something different.”
Chemistry tutor and curriculum leader Brian Gibson said the competition is for the country’s best chemistry students.
“This contest challenges students to answer questions that are way beyond A-level chemistry and involves real-world problem solving that really stretches them out of their comfort zone. I’m so pleased for them to have achieved these scores, which puts them in the top third of students nationally who took part in the Olympiad.”
The students received certificates with their results to mark their achievements.
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