Diamond Award in Physics Competition
Recently, Renee L, a Year 12 student from our school, achieved outstanding success in the Isaac Physics Senior Physics Challenge China Marathon (SPCCM), earning the prestigious Diamond Award and ranking in the top 60 globally. She also represented our school at the Isaac Physics Senior Physics Challenge Summer School, which was hosted by the Møller Institute at Churchill College, University of Cambridge.
Renee L Year 12
Other Physics Awards:
British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) Round 1- Gold
Senior Physics Challenge (SPC) - Gold
Physics Bowl - Gold
The Isaac Physics Senior Physics Challenge is renowned for its academic rigor and is directly affiliated with the University of Cambridge. Mr Johan Swartz, Head of Physics introduced that “this challenge attracted over 50,000 students from more than 4,000 schools worldwide. Research shows that 44% of students who use the Isaac Physics platform achieve top grades of A or A* in their A Level physics examinations, highlighting the effectiveness of this invaluable resource.” He also mentioned, “The China Marathon Challenge was introduced in 2023 through a strategic partnership between ASDAN China and the Isaac Physics UK organizing committee. Over a three-month period, participants used the platform to solve challenging physics and maths problems, refining their skills and knowledge. The final scores will be based on both the number of problems tackled and their complexity, measuring their understanding and application of key concepts.”
Renee reflected on her thoughts regarding the Isaac Physics competition, “The challenge was like a physics marathon. Essentially, it involved solving problems on the platform for three consecutive months, with rankings based on the number and difficulty of problems solved. I think the most important part of the competition was that through consistently solving problems over an extended period, I developed the habit of studying and thinking about physics and maths daily. It’s not about the quantity but about consistency and fostering a mindset that enjoys problem-solving. This not only led to good results in the competition, but also laid a solid foundation for my future studies in physics.”
Additionally, Renee shared her experience from this summer’s Cambridge Physics Camp, “I studied an introductory course in quantum mechanics. During the summer school, I had the opportunity to engage with fellow students who share the same passion for physics, and I met professors who were approachable, encouraging, and eager to help. What impressed me most was that while working on class assignments, I noticed that nearly every student was deeply focused on thinking through and solving problems. This pure academic atmosphere left a profound impact on me.”
The summer school experience differs from traditional academic competitions as it provides students with practical exposure to cutting-edge research. For Renee, this opportunity at the Møller Institute enriched her academic journey and will contribute significantly to her future in science.
