Spotlight on DHSZ Chemistry Department
On a cold grey January afternoon, in the midst of the CNY holiday, students paced expectantly outside the library. Students, from years 10 to 12, had gathered in the school to demonstrate their passion and enthusiasm for the subject of chemistry via the UK Chemistry Olympiad.
The UK Chemistry Olympiad consists of five multi-step analysis problems. Knowledge difficulty ranges from IGCSE questions to early-year university problems. The chemistry Olympiad serves to stretch and challenge students’ understanding of the discipline. DHSZ has a track record of success with the UK Chemistry Olympiad as our students have achieved bronze through gold medal results in the 2021-2022 Olympiad.
Our students are interested in participating in chemistry events such as the Olympiad because they know that studying chemistry can provide them with exciting opportunities in university and beyond. Medicine, pharmaceuticals, forensic science, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science are all popular fields of study in university that require a rich background, passion, and understanding of chemistry.
The chemistry department asked students what the field of chemistry means to them and how they can be successful at DHSZ studying chemistry.
Tom C, Y12 student and 2022 Gold Medalist in the UK Chemistry Olympiad said,
“Chemistry is the central science that includes both mathematical logic and factual application. To be successful in chemistry one must learn the art of simplifying and organising abstract concepts to invent new pathways of problem solving.”
Amanda L, Y13 student and past recipient of the HOD award for chemistry said,
“Chemistry is an interdisciplinary subject that provides students with different perspectives in our world by empowering and inspiring curious minds. To be successful in chemistry, one must stay inquisitive and use critical thinking.”
Amaris L, Y12 crystallographer and 2023 UK chemistry Olympiad gold medalist hopeful, said,
“Chemistry is an interdisciplinary subject that has a wide range of practical applications. To be successful, students must maintain their enthusiasm in the face of challenging subject material.”
DHSZ provides students with both excellent content knowledge and key practical skills in chemistry. We also emphasise that communication, collaboration, and creativity are essential elements to a good education in chemistry. Study in chemistry is extended beyond the classroom by providing many engaging cross-curricular activities. Our students have been extracting oil from algae, developing perfumes, and investigating how impurities influence the geometry of crystal growth.
The chemistry department congratulates all students who have participated in the chemistry Olympiad, actively engaged in our rich offering of chemistry CCA activities, and who continue to achieve excellent results in their chemistry IGCSE and A Level examinations.
