Challenge, competition, glory

Most of us know New Zealand’s medal count at last year’s summer Olympics; less well known are the performance records of the talented and gifted students who compete in the ‘International Science Olympiads’.

Teams of high school students represent New Zealand in seven science-related competitions: Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Informatics, Geography, Physics and Future Problem Solving. And they regularly outperform teams from countries with populations and budgets that dwarf New Zealand’s.

“Challenge, competition, glory, beautiful mathematics, lifelong friendships.” That’s how Heather, a Maths Olympiad tutor, former Burnside High School student and silver medal winner describes the New Zealand programmes in which hundreds of Olympiad hopefuls participate – and from which teams of four to six are selected to compete internationally.

Dr Angela Sharples, the Biology Olympiad coordinator, adds, “These programmes create national and international communities of learners. Talented students can be quite isolated in school, but the competitions bring them together, challenge them, support them and show them the depth and range of science careers. Our economy needs more scientists and we need to reach all students who can benefit.”

Thanks to a three-year funding commitment from the Todd Foundation as part of our support for talented and gifted science students, the teams behind the seven competitions are now working together as ‘Science OlympiaNZ’ to provide opportunities to more students. “We’re passionate educators, and this is an exciting opportunity to make a difference,” says Angela.