Students in Year 12 and 13 at Exmouth Community College (ECC) have achieved outstanding success after taking part in the International Chemistry Olympiad, a highly demanding national competition organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The event saw over 17,000 students from across the country sit a challenging two-hour examination. The Olympiad is designed to stretch the very best young chemists in the country, testing not only their subject knowledge but also their problem-solving and application skills. Although it includes hints and content from GCSE and A Level curricula, the paper quickly progresses to university-level questions. 

This year’s topics explored fascinating, real-world applications of chemistry, including its role in Olympic swimming pools, the science behind unpleasant odours, and the chemistry involved in henna tattoos. The themes provided the students with an exciting insight into how chemistry impacts everyday life in unexpected ways.

Although the Olympiad is especially tough for Year 12 students, many of whom have only covered a fraction of their A Level content by that point in the academic year, Year 12 Evan achieved a bronze award putting him in the top 70% of students. 

In Year 13, Sophie and Isaac achieved silver awards, placing them in the top 34% of all participants. Bronze awards were also achieved by Ned, Lexie and Delilah, recognising their strong performance in a highly competitive field.

Some Year 12 physics students also took part in the British Physics Olympiad Senior Challenge, Emily achieved a Silver award putting her in the top 27% of entrants. Josh also achieved a Bronze award.

 At ECC, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the A Level chemistry curriculum is designed to offer students a fascinating and in-depth exploration of the subject, covering key areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as reaction kinetics, energetics, thermodynamics, analytical techniques and environmental chemistry. 

Students develop a strong understanding of important chemical principles and processes that underpin our understanding of the world around us, alongside how scientists investigate and explain real-world phenomena. 

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College, said: 

 “Taking part in an Olympiad of this standard is a huge achievement in itself. We are incredibly proud of all our students for embracing the challenge and performing so well against such strong national competition.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, said: 

“It’s wonderful to see young people at Exmouth Community College challenging themselves against such demanding national competition. Opportunities like this stretch ambition, deepen subject knowledge and show students just how far their talent and hard work can take them.”