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Top marks in Cambridge University's Chemistry Challenge

Published on 07/07/17

Stephen Perse 6th Former, Ellen Jiang has received the prestigious Roentgenium Award for her work in the national Lower Sixth Chemistry Challenge, an annual competition run by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.

Over 7000 students participated in this year's Chemistry Challenge, from 510 schools across the UK. Only 55 students achieved the Roentgenium Award, representing the top 0.78% of entries. Ellen will join other Award recipients for a special residential chemistry course, at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge later this summer. 

Head of Chemistry at Stephen Perse 6th Form College, Dr Mark Woodward commented: “We are proud of all our students who entered this year’s Chemistry Challenge, but Ellen’s Roentgenium Award is particularly noteworthy, especially in the context of such a popular national competition, which really encourages students to think about science at a university level.”

The Lower Sixth Chemistry Challenge aims to stretch and challenge students with an interest in chemistry. Set by an experienced team of Cambridge University teachers and chemists, the challenge is significantly tougher than normal A Level papers. It is highly deductive in nature and encourages students to think about science in the way they would at university.

Head of 6th Form, Simon Armitage said: “The higher-order analytical thinking required for initiatives such as the Cambridge Chemistry Challege is highly prized by universities. We seek every opportunity to support our students in developing their talents, not just in science, but across the curriculum. This breadth of experience is a key to preparing them for university and life beyond.”

Find out more about the Chemistry Challenge: http://www.c3l6.org