All our Year 11 Chemistry students from Carramar have performed above the state average in the International Chemistry Quiz! Even better, of the ten students who entered, we had one high distinction, two distinction and three credit level awards.
The Quiz is run by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and attracts students from across Australia and 20 other countries around the world including India, Germany and China so the results achieved by our students is extremely impressive!
Science teacher, Dr Janelle Morris inspired the students to enter. “We entered our class in the quiz to challenge and motivate our students. It provided an opportunity to showcase their chemistry knowledge and skills on an international platform, fostering a sense of achievement and recognition”, said Janelle.
“The quiz experience has enriched their learning by exposing them to a wide range of challenging chemistry questions and concepts beyond the regular curriculum. It encourages them to apply critical thinking and ultimately enhances their problem-solving abilities and deepens their understanding of the subject”.
One of the students who achieved a ‘distinction’, Taha Bastanhagh, relished the challenge of the Quiz. 
“The quiz certainly presented a challenge, not necessarily due to the difficulty of the questions but because it was designed for a global audience and included material beyond our usual syllabus. This aspect made it particularly interesting and thought-provoking. Thanks to the problem-solving skills we’ve acquired from Dr. Morris, we were able to approach the questions with a certain level of confidence,” said Taha.
“I’m content with my results, given the diverse nature of the quiz. However, I have a personal philosophy of continuously striving for improvement, no matter how satisfactory the results may be”.
It’s not surprising that Taha did so well in the Quiz. It’s evident that he has a passion for Chemistry.
“Studying chemistry is a unique experience. Chemistry is the foundational science that underpins various aspects of our daily lives. Studying this allows me to gain a deeper appreciation for the fundamental principles that govern other scientific fields. Chemistry allows me to see the interconnectedness of the world, and I find immense satisfaction in exploring its mysteries”, he explained.
This is perhaps a passion at least in part inspired by his teacher. Dr Morris shared her thoughts about the study of Chemistry. “Studying chemistry in secondary school holds immense value as it equips students with essential scientific and analytical skills. It fosters a deep understanding of the physical world, promotes critical thinking, and cultivates problem-solving abilities, which are not only valuable in academics but also in everyday life. Additionally, chemistry plays a crucial role in various scientific and industrial advancements that impact society”.
“For students passionate about chemistry, there are numerous career pathways available. They can pursue higher education in chemistry-related fields such as chemical engineering, pharmacology, environmental science or materials science. Careers in research, academia, pharmaceuticals, environmental management, and chemical industries are common choices. I believe research in chemistry related fields will hold the answers to many of the global concerns that we currently face such as the energy crisis, food security, waste management and development of more sustainable materials than the plastics we currently use and many more. Moreover, chemistry knowledge can open doors to interdisciplinary fields like forensic science, biotechnology, and even science communication. The possibilities are diverse and exciting for those who have a strong passion for chemistry”.
Congratulations to all the Year 11 Chemistry students who were recognised in the International Chemistry Quiz:
- High distinction – Rose Jimmy
- Distinction – Taha Bastanhagh, Darius Macauley (pictured right)
- Credit level – Lucas Bronnum-Lee, Anagha Kunnel (pictured left), Huy Gia Nguyen Ngoc,
- Others – Saba Riahifard, Nathaniel Walker, Ryder Richardson, Ashton McBain