By Dr Sheldon

What is it that links alien lifeforms, social distancing, an Arsenal midfielder from the noughties and Dr Donald Trump?

Well obviously, it’s the 2021 Chemistry Olympiad competition organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Well done to Aya J, Milli D, Diana R, Emily S and Chloe B from Year 13 who sat through the two hour exam on January 25th. I also took the paper, but took my time over it (probably at least 6 hours) and I also admit to breaking the rules by using an Excel spreadsheet to answer one of the questions.

It was a very tough exam which Chloe called “a stimulating experience which challenged us beyond what we learn in the classroom.”

The final results came through this week for the 7160 students from 666 schools which took part in the remote competition. Only the top 9% received gold, the next 23% silver with the third group (33%) getting bronze with 35% of all entrants not receiving an award.

Gold: Diana R                     

Silver: Chloe B and Milli D

Bronze: Emily S and Aya J 

Well done to all taking part in this challenging national competition!