YOUNG scientists have performed when it matters to become the best physicists in the country and 29th in the world.
A team from Concord College, Acton Burnell, near Shrewsbury, took part in the prestigious Physics Bowl, an international competition run by the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Under exam conditions they had just 45 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions covering any matter and energy subject, from mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, to sound, electricity, magnetism and the structure of atoms.
This year’s competition saw 12,725 students compete from 456 schools in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cambodia, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and the United States, as well as more than 700 schools from China.
Concord College students came 29th in the world and were the highest placed UK school team.
On an individual level, student Hayden Chan achieved an incredible 51st place in the entire world and was the top placed UK student.
Concord College physics teacher Bart Wargos was delighted by the results and the level of participation by 55 Concord students.
He said: “The Physics Bowl has ignited a remarkable spirit of inquiry. We continuously strive to support our students, especially with the rotational dynamics content that falls outside of the exam syllabus here in the UK.
“I also want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our physics teachers, who did an outstanding job preparing these students. The results were truly commendable, securing our position worldwide.
“Overall, I am thrilled to see our students eager to expand their knowledge, embrace new challenges, build their confidence and showcase their strong grasp of physics. A big well done to our students who are embodying our community spirit by bravely aspiring to take on new challenges.”
Concord College’s linked school in China, Shanghai Concord Bilingual School, was placed 100th in the world.