The International Chemistry Olympiad started in Eastern Europe in 1968 and has grown to about 75 countries with New Zealand first competing in 1992. The NZ Chemistry Olympiad is a charitable organization managed by a group of trustees and each year the program is run on a voluntary basis by a small group of dedicated secondary and tertiary teachers.
To compete a student must be under 20 years of age and enrolled in a secondary school. To be eligible for travel to the International competition the student must be at least 15 years of age at the time of travel.
The New Zealand program involves:
The International Chemistry Olympiad examinations are arduous and involve a 5 hour practical examination followed 2 days later by a 5 hour theoretical examination. These occupy only 2 days of the week the students spend at the Olympiad, the remainder of the time allowing the students to establish personal and friendly contacts with other like-minded secondary students from a diverse range of cultures. They also are able to get acquainted with various aspects of the life of the host people and country.
Why is the Chemistry Olympiad worthwhile?
The 51st International Chemistry Olympiad competition was held in Paris, France in temperatures as high as 42oC and with limited air conditioning!
The four students in the NZ team (shown in the picture R to L) were Daniel Ahn (year 12, Macleans College, Highly Commended), Rayman Tang (Macleans College, Bronze), Jaqlin van Schalkwyk (Kristin College, Bronze) and Connor Gallagher (St Peter’s College, Auckland, Bronze). They were accompanied by mentors Dr Buck Rogers (St Peter’s College), Dr Allick Lal (Macleans College) and Dr Sheila Woodgate (BestChoice).
The NZ team earned 3 bronze medals and a Highly Commended (2 spots off a bronze medal).