Double award winning A-level Science student
A-level Biology and Chemistry student Curtis Winter from Hugh Baird College was recently awarded a silver and gold award from the Royal Society of Chemistry and Biology Olympiad competitions. In addition, Curtis achieved the remarkable status of being in the top 7% of 9465 competitors from 727 schools.
The Royal Society Olympiads are the leading Chemistry and Biology online competitions for students in secondary education. Run annually, the Olympiad is an opportunity for teachers to challenge their students, helping them to develop creative thinking and apply their existing knowledge in new and interesting contexts.
Firstly, Curtis was awarded a silver award for the Chemistry Olympiad which involved taking part in an online competition made up of a written test that challenged him to use his chemical knowledge to solve real-world problems. The test questions aimed to stimulate debate and raise awareness of how chemistry can be applied.
Ruth Mead, Hugh Baird College A-level Chemistry Tutor said:
The Chemistry Olympiad is a very stiff test for sixth form students. The students have to sit an extremely challenging two-hour exam at the end of their final year at College. They also have to work very quickly in the given timescale. Taking part in the Chemistry Olympiad has challenged not only Curtis but all students involved and it has helped prepare all students for their final exam. Curtis’ silver award is testament to his impressive intellect and is a reflection of his drive and motivation to understand complex chemical principles and concepts.
Secondly, Curtis was awarded a gold award for the Biology Olympiad which involved different challenges designed to test Curtis’ knowledge.
Caroline Clift, Hugh Baird College A-level Biology Tutor said:
The annual competitions are very challenging and Curtis has performed exceptionally well to have achieved a gold level. Curtis is an extremely talented and knowledgeable student, he intends to study Biological Sciences at London Imperial College after his A-level studies and I wish him all the luck in the future.
Curtis Winter, Hugh Baird College A-level Biology and Chemistry student said:
I still can’t believe I achieved both gold and silver awards. I worked really hard and enjoyed the challenges that both Olympiad’s presented me. I like to try and test myself and push myself to learn new things that will help me down the line when I start studying my degree. I would also like to mention the support and tutoring given by the staff at the Hugh Baird College Sixth Form Centre. It really has been a great place for me to learn and develop and I’ve enjoyed lots of different learning opportunities.
For more information on A-level Science courses at Hugh Baird College, please visit: www.hughbaird.ac.uk/a-levels or alternatively call 0151 353 4444.
