Competitive camps in pursuit of higher science
Senior students Lester Lai and Angus Whitteker share their experiences with the Chemistry Olympiad and the Biology Olympiad, respectively.
Lester Lai – in his element Bonding over a shared commitment to chemistry, Year 13 student Lester Lai has joined a group of stellar young scientists to absorb all elements of an Olympiad opportunity. Following a one-hour exam in mid-September 2023, Lester was among the students selected to tackle a series of problem-based assignments from February to March before sitting a second exam in March to choose the final Chemistry Olympiad training camp participants. Having attained a Silver certificate, Lester was invited to join the Auckland-based camp to find a four-strong team, plus a reserve, to represent New Zealand at the International Olympiad. For Lester, winning a spot at the learning-packed camp has
proved to be a challenging but inspiring opportunity. “I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to attend this Chemistry Olympiad camp, meet a lot of outstanding people from elsewhere in the country, and, more importantly, have the opportunity to review myself and understand what I truly want, along with what kind of person I want to become in the future,” he says. “During our camp week, we stayed in Tibbs House at Auckland Grammar and attended lectures and lab sessions with several professors at St Peter’s College and the University of Auckland. Our everyday activities included lectures or practical sessions during the day, and undertaking problem sessions at night – all focused on various areas of chemistry.”
Among the sessions were volumetric competition, thermodynamics, solid state structure, equilibria, kinetics, and spectroscopy. “I encourage more College students to seek a Chemistry Olympiad spot – or chase other opportunities in a range of fields – and continue to challenge and extend themselves to make the most of any great experience,” Lester says. “This camp brings together some of the most talented and hardworking students in New Zealand. I was glad I experienced it. It was only when I saw the others that I understood what excellence means – it’s not only chemistry, but also their demeanour and expression. “It is also a great opportunity to determine if you should try to pursue medicine at university.
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