2017 School Magazine

CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD TRAINING

Our exposure to a variety of new concepts opened our eyes to a wide range of possibilities in the field of chemistry. Faced with these unfamiliar and complex topics, we were able to develop our problem-solving skills, as well gain experience with many different styles of questions. After the programmee, we brought some of our new skills back and shared them with our class. Though at first few of us could make neither head nor tail of the content, we emerged from the experience having made a quantum leap in

During Term II, a select group of Year 11 students had the opportunity to participate in the Chemistry Olympiad. This involved completing a challenging two-hour examination in the hope of performing well enough to be chosen for the Australian summer school. Preparation involved weekly tutorials led by Head of Chemistry, Mrs Ross, where we covered many new and interesting concepts such as organic and redox chemistry. It challenged us to delve into topics which were beyond those covered in the Year 11 Chemistry course.

our knowledge and appreciation of chemistry. SARAH WILKEY (11L) AND LOUISE SEET (11B)

TITRATION COMPETITION

Arriving at UQ, the girls were filled with nervous energy and enthusiasm. Working in teams of three, the girls enthusiastically titrated against schools such as the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology and Brisbane State High School. The afternoon was a blur of clinking beakers, rustling lab coats and the chatter of aspiring young titrators. Although the girls did not place overall, they all had a fabulous time. Many thanks must go to Mrs Clemot and Mrs Magee for organising the event and training us, making this a truly memorable experience. A special shout-out to Mrs Magee for accompanying us and cheering us on throughout the day of the competition! LOUISE SEET (11B) AND APRAJITA BHASIN (11L)

On Saturday 13 May, a group of sixteen girls from Years 11 and 12, travelled to The University of Queensland (UQ) to participate in the annual RACI Titration Competition heats. A challenging but exciting field in chemistry, titration is the method of determining the unknown concentration of a substance, through the use of acids, bases, complex equipment and calculations. Under the instruction of the brilliant chemists, Mrs Magee and Mrs Clemot, the girls worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to prepare for the competition. Meeting up before, during and after school, they even forwent their precious break-times and beauty sleep to train. After many ‘drop the base’ puns, the girls were ready to compete.

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2017 | CO-CURRICULUM | 111