Gold awards for two HSDC Havant students in national science competitions

TWO Havant students have scored top gold awards after putting their skills to the test in national science competitions.
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Challenging extracurricular exams in chemistry and physics were no match for talented HSDC Havant students Lucy Mannie and Chen Lin.

Second-year A Level student Lucy took on the UK Chemistry Olympiad, an annual competition run by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

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After achieving a silver award last year, Lucy wanted to beat her best and try again, taking on challenging questions designed to test problem-solving skills and students’ knowledge of chemistry in real-world situations.

Chemistry Olympiad Lucy Mannie.Chemistry Olympiad Lucy Mannie.
Chemistry Olympiad Lucy Mannie.

Lucy said: ‘It’s a way of putting chemistry into context. It’s taking something you know and putting it into a context you never thought you would. I know a lot more of the content because last year I’d only been doing it for a term. I’ve done a bit of reading ahead.

‘Sometimes when you’re sitting in class learning chemistry, it all feels very theoretical. Actually seeing it in context with current issues motivates you because you can see why you’re learning what you’re learning and what you can do with it in the future.’

This year, more than 8,000 students from 750 schools and colleges entered the competition, answering questions on current topics like E10 petrol and the quantitative chemistry in lateral flow tests.

Physics Olympiad Chen Lin.Physics Olympiad Chen Lin.
Physics Olympiad Chen Lin.
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A Level student Chen studies physics, mathematics, further mathematics and EPQ, and has offered his advice on high workloads and whether he would recommend the Physics Olympiad.

He said: ‘My friends say I’m crazy, the work isn’t that bad if I’m not lazy. Do your homework when it’s set, not on the last day before it’s due. Everyone does have time to do it.

‘I would recommend it because nothing bad can happen. It’s not that much extra effort and the rewards are quite nice because you can put it on your personal statement.’

Dr Lesley Brewer, head of faculty for Stem and social sciences, said: ‘I am pleased to say that all of the HSDC entrants achieved at least a bronze award,

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however Lucy Mannie achieved a gold Award, which puts her in the top 8.9 per cent of the 8,668 UK entrants.

‘For a student to achieve a gold award is a real accolade, and Lucy should be very proud of herself. It will look great on her CV in years to come.’

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