Students take on British physics Olympiad

Five talented Physicists from Solihull Sixth Form College have taken on the challenge of the British Physics Olympiad this year.

Omer Eldaw, Alexandra Minihan, Lucy Mitchell, William Rex and Joe Tucker are all in their first year of studying A level Physics and were selected for the prestigious Olympiad, designed to challenge and reward some of the best physicists in British schools.

The students sat the test last week, despite it being aimed at second year students. The Olympiad is a UK competition run by the University of Oxford, but chaired by Robin Hughes from the University of Cambridge.

It initiates the selection process for the two UK Physics teams, who will compete at international level in the 2022 International Physics Olympiad (taking place in July in Belarus) and the International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics (taking place in the Ukraine).

Over 2,000 students participated in the competition last year and awards were given based on students ' performance, including the Top Gold award, 100 Gold prizes, 100 Silver awards, 200 Bronze I awards and 200 Bronze II awards. All participants will receive a certificate and Top Gold award winners will get a book prize.

Physics teacher, Rick Homer, commented: "We have some excellent students in Year 12 Physics this year and I'm delighted some of them have taken on this challenge.

“The questions are designed to push the students well beyond their comfort zone. They are problem solving in their style and all five students will get a commendation certificate for taking part. Being part of this is a great thing to add to their CVs to show prospective universities and employers of their calibre."