A Double Triumph

化学数学竞赛双丰收

苏州工业园区德威联合书院的学生们近期在两个国际学术竞赛中取得了杰出的成就：

英国化学奥林匹克取得二金二银三铜，英国数学奥林匹克中级挑战获得三个参与奖及一个优秀奖。为德威学生的努力付出鼓掌！

英国化学奥林匹克

UK Chemistry Olympiad

英国化学奥林匹克比赛测试领域涵盖从IGCSE到大学初期阶段的化学知识。在苏州德威联合书院，我们采用的是“将学生置于学习的中心“这一教学方法，并创建了一个”高挑战、低威胁“的课堂环境，这使得学生们能够发展必要的批判性思维和应用技能，从而在这种规格的国际化学比赛中取得优秀的成绩。

在苏州德威，我们的老师们深知结构化练习的重要性，并为学生提供了诸多额外的机会，让他们在课程之外深入了解学科。

我们的 化学教研组长 Adam Harrison 先生与我们分享道：“化学协会CCA（联课活动）为学生提供了丰富的参与化学活动的空间，例如从藻类中提取油、生产生物柴油、制作香水和生物塑料等。我们化学学科组还计划让学生们未来参加更多的比赛，包括加拿大化学竞赛和阿伏伽德罗化学竞赛，并不断拓展我们的化学协会CCA的项目工作。” 

学生这样说

我们还采访到了金奖蝉联得主Tom C同学，及在上一届比赛中获银奖、在本届取得金奖好成绩的Joe W同学，看看他们想给我们分享些什么心得吧。 

Tom C

金奖

Q

参加英国化学奥林匹克竞赛对你未来的学术和职业方向有什么影响？

A

我第一次参加UKCHO时，正是被比赛中蕴含的逻辑所吸引。我明白在一个陌生领域如何应用知识的重要性，其中包含了分析问题的能力和批判性思维。这也激发了我在合成化学方面的兴趣，例如将化学专业知识应用到从海藻中提取脂质的项目中。总的来说，UKCHO是一个鼓舞人心的比赛，它培养了我对化学前沿领域的兴趣和学习科学所需的思维能力。 

Q

你对未来有兴趣参加这个竞赛的学生有什么建议？

A

对于准备参加UKCHO的同学，我觉得培养化学思维是必不可少的。你可以将物理化学方面的知识（关于键合和结构）与在化学中所学到的现象结合起来。我建议阅读《化学结构和反应性》一书来逐渐培养这方面的技能。另外，将它与其它领域相联系也是有帮助的。你可以加入由Joe W发起并领导的‘文献阅读’CCA（联课活动），在那里同学们会交流分享他们对各个学科的理解。我也是这个CCA的一员，与Joe W及其他聪慧且奋进的同学讨论过多个主题，从中受益良多。最后，要享受这样的比赛经历，学习更多有启发的课程。

Joe W

金奖

Q

与去年相比，你今年做了哪些努力来

提升你的表现？

A

今年，我在UKCHO取得了还不错的成绩。我认为这归功于两个主要因素：采用更精细的化学研究方法，组织一个学术主题的CCA。其实，竞赛并不能代表一切，它的作用有时候被过分放大了。对我而言，我将竞赛视为提升自己能力的一种方式。 

与去年相比，我更深入地研究了化学课程，重新将化学大纲内容学了一遍，并且学了许多拓展知识，以扩大我对化学复杂话题的理解。此外，我花了更多的时间研究竞赛题，分析我的错误以找出改进的地方。这种更专注和结构化的化学研究方法帮助我在这门学科上打下了更好的基础。

我发起并组织了一个以提高解题能力为主题的CCA（联课活动）。这项活动将热爱学术的学生聚集在一起。讨论了从经济学到生物学的各种有趣的学术主题，分享了许多不同的见解。通过领导和参与CCA，我提升了自己的批判性思维、多角度分析问题和有效解题技巧的能力。这种经历不仅丰富了我自己对许多概念的理解，还形成了一个互相学习的良好氛围。 

Q

你对未来有兴趣参加这个竞赛的学生有什么建议？

A

1.  打好基础：

确保对基础知识有扎实的理解。了解课程教材以外的概念，并通过阅读进阶教材来深度了解。由于UKCHO的很大一部分内容是基于有机化学的，因此建议对基本的有机反应有一个全面的了解。 

书单：

- Chemical Principles -by Atkins, Jones, and Laverman 

- Organic Chemistry -by Clayden, Greeves, Warren 

- Organic Chemistry as a second language -by Klein 

- Why Chemical Reaction happens -by Keeler and Wothers 

2. 加入学习团体：

寻找志同道合的同学，组成一个学习小组，比如CCA（联课活动）。通过相互合作和讨论，你可以从他们那里学到新的解题方法和技巧。

3. 寻求帮助：

寻求导师的指导和支持。有经验的老师或学长学姐可以提供如何提高竞赛表现的宝贵建议，比如参与"德威学者计划"。

4. 坚持：

参加竞赛需要许多时间、精力和耐心。即使在遇到困难时也要保持积极的态度，不要放弃。相信自己，不断努力，就会在比赛中取得成功。

英国数学奥林匹克

UKMT

在英国数学奥林匹克中级挑战赛中，苏州德威联合书院的学生们获得了3个参与奖和1个优异奖。Michael X更是赢得了铜奖并在全球排名前100！

“他与生俱来的好奇心和对数学的热忱，再加上他在数学方面的坚韧和毅力，让他能够出类拔萃。”DHSZ 数学教研组组长 Martin Crozier 先生说道，“我们的教师通过创造机会，让所有学生都能在各种方面和场合应用他们的知识、锻炼他们的沟通技能，以鼓励和培养他们对数学的热情。例如我们研发了一套将数学解题与现实世界问题相融合的模式：我们走进华谊兄弟电影世界，走进迪士尼去开展数学教学活动，让学生们不被课堂所禁锢，而是无处不在地体验数学和数学的魅力。这种方法有趣又有效！”  

学生这样说

Michael X

铜奖，全球排名前100

Q

在你的年龄组中，跻身世界前100排名的感觉如何？

A

当我得知这个消息的时候还是比较开心的，因为我没有特意为这个竞赛做准备，当时并没有抱有太高的期待。 

Q

你为什么参加这个英国数学奥林匹克竞赛，又是什么促使你努力取得如此骄人的成绩呢？ 

A

之所以参加这个竞赛，一是因为我本身就很热爱数学，我想要去挑战一些更难的问题。二是我想通过和不同国家及地区的同龄人交流来认识自己的数学水平。激励我拿到这样成绩的最主要原因便是热爱。我很享受在解题中思考的过程以及逻辑上的串联。我平时在课外也会去图书馆借一些数学相关的书籍，找一些有趣的数学题来做。这让我的数学水平得到了提高。

祝贺苏州德威的学生们取得如此出色的成绩！

In the UK Chemistry Olympiad, DHSZ students demonstrated their mastery of chemistry, with two students achieving gold medals and two receiving silver medals. Additionally, three students were awarded bronze medals for their impressive performance in the competition. The competition tests students' knowledge in areas ranging from IGCSE to early university-level chemistry. DHSZ's teaching approach of putting students at the centre of their learning and creating a high-challenge, low-threat classroom environment has allowed for the development of critical thinking and application skills necessary to excel in such a prestigious event.

Our teachers at DHSZ understand the importance of structured practice, providing additional opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the subject beyond the regular curriculum.

Mr. Adam Harrison, our Head of Chemistry shared with us that “The chemistry society CCA offered a space for students to engage in enrichment activities such as oil extraction from algae, biodiesel production, perfume making, and bioplastics. Our department also plans to enter students into other contests in the future, including the Canadian Chemistry Contest and Avogadro Contest, as well as expand project work in the chemistry society CCA.” 

Student Voice

We also caught up with Tom C, the reigning gold medalist and Joe W, the previous silver medallist who won the gold medal this time to hear what they want to share with us. 

Tom C

Gold Medalist

Q

How has participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad impacted your future academic and career aspirations?  

A

When I was first preparing for the UKCHO, I was inspired by the competition about logicism in chemistry. I understand the importance of applying knowledge in an unfamiliar area involving analytical and critical thinking. It also inspires me in synthetical chemistry, which triggers my interest in using chemical expertise in my project of lipid extraction from algae. Overall, the UKCHO is an inspirative competition that develops my interest in the cutting-edge field of chemistry and the thinking skill for learning science subjects. 

Q

What advice would you give to students who are interested in participating in the competition in the future?  

A

Learning chemical thinking is essential if you wish to prepare for the UKCHO. You can use the physical chemistry aspect (about bonding and structure) to integrate the phenomenon you learn in chemistry. I recommend reading Chemical Structure and Reactivity to develop this skill. Also, discussing these thoughts using unfamiliar fields is helpful. You can join the Journal Reading CCA led by Joe W, where students share their understanding of various subjects. I also joined the CCA and benefited from discussing multiple topics with intelligent and inspirative students, especially Joe W. Please enjoy the competition experience and learn meaningful lessons. 

Joe W

Gold Medalist

Q

What did you do differently this year compared to last year to improve your performance? 

A

I have concluded two factors that contributed to the gold medal I have received: one is adopting a more thorough approach to studying chemistry and the other one is running a CCA that enhanced my study skills. However, these competitions do not mean everything and their importance is often overestimated.  

Compared to last year, I relearned Chemistry from the first unit and dived deeper into the subject matter by going beyond the standard curriculum. I sought out advanced textbooks and online resources to expand my understanding of complex topics in chemistry. Additionally, I dedicated more time to practising a wide range of problems and analyzing my mistakes to identify areas for improvement. This more focused and structured approach to studying chemistry allowed me to develop a stronger foundation in the subject. 

To complement my individual study efforts, I initiated and ran a CCA to promote problem-solving skills among my peers. This activity brought together students with a shared passion for academics, allowing us to engage in collaborative problem-solving sessions. We discussed various topics ranging from economics to biology, sharing ideas on intriguing inquiries. By leading and participating in the CCA, I honed my ability to think critically, analyze problems from multiple perspectives, and develop efficient problem-solving techniques. This experience not only enriched my own understanding of chemistry but also fostered a supportive learning community where we could learn from one another. 

Q

What advice would you give to students who are interested in participating in the competition in the future?   

A

1. Strengthen your foundation: 

Ensure you have a solid understanding of the basic concepts. Go beyond the standard curriculum and delve deeper into the subject matter by reading advanced textbooks. Since a great proportion of UKCHO is based on organic chemistry, a thorough understanding of basic organic reactions is recommended. 

Booklist:

- Chemical Principles -by Atkins, Jones, and Laverman 

- Organic Chemistry -by Clayden, Greeves, Warren 

- Organic Chemistry as a second language -by Klein 

- Why Chemical Reaction happens -by Keeler and Wothers 

2. Join study groups: 

Find like-minded peers and form a study group, like a CCA. By collaborating and discussing problems with others, you can learn new problem-solving methods and techniques.

3. Seek mentorship: 

Ask for guidance and support from experienced teachers or elder students. They are super kind and can provide valuable advice on how to improve your competition’s performance. For example, I have participated in the scholar program in which I discussed some Chemistry questions with Mr. Harrison. 

4. Be persistent: 

Participating in competitions requires time, effort, and patience. Do not get discouraged and maintain a positive attitude even when faced with difficulties. Believe in yourself and continue working hard, and you will achieve success in the competition. 

UKMT

 英国数学奥林匹克 

In the Intermediate Maths Challenge, we got 3 Participation and 1 Distinction from DHSZ. Michael X impressed us by earning a bronze medal and being placed in the top 100 in the world!

“His natural inquisitiveness and love for mathematics coupled with mathematical resilience and tenacity allowed him to excel,” said Mr. Martin Crozier, the Head of Maths in DHSZ. “Our teachers encourage a love for mathematics among all students by creating opportunities for them to apply their knowledge and communication skills in many ways. Maths trails that incorporate real-world examples, such as the HB world and Disney, provide students with the opportunity to experience maths in the world around them.” 

Student Voice

Michael X

Bronze Medal

Top 100 in the world

Q

How does it feel to be ranked among the top 100 mathematicians in the world in your age group? 

A

I was happy when I found out the result because I hadn't prepared specifically for the competition, so to be honest, I wasn't expecting to get a high score. 

Q

What inspired you to participate in the Maths Olympiad, and what motivated you to work hard and achieve such an impressive result? 

A

I entered this competition because firstly, I am rather passionate about mathematics and wanted to take on some more difficult problems. Secondly, I wanted to compare myself with my peers from different countries and regions to see how good I am at maths. The main reason that motivated me to get such a result was my love for it. I enjoyed the process of thinking and logically connecting in solving the problems, and I usually borrowed some maths-related books from the library outside of class to find some interesting maths problems to do, which helped me improve my maths skills.

Congratulations to DHSZ students on their outstanding achievements! 

文章转载自：【苏州工业园区德威联合书院】