Lynn students go for gold

Science students at a King’s Lynn school have been going for gold in an international physics competition.

And one Springwood High School pupil achieved a place in the top eight per cent of candidates who were awarded the top prize for their work.

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“I was really pleased - I’d done some papers to prepare, but the test was difficult.” said Nathan Croasdale, 16, who was awarded a gold. He has been invited to attend the Royal Society Awards to mark his achievement.

The budding scientists  took part in the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) Senior Challenge, which is open to Year 12 students across the UK and abroad. It’s the second time that Springwood High, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, has taken part.

This year, some 6,000 students from 500 schools participated and completed an hour-long paper of physics problems designed to test the best young minds.

A further group of Springwood students also put in winning performances to attain silver and bronze awards in the challenge. They all received a certificate to commemorate their success.

Finley Meehan and Lexie Ampomah, both 17, received silver, with Lexie stating: “I was really excited to get silver. The test was really hard, but I enjoy physics problems.”

Those joining them with Bronze awards were: Noah Hayes, 16; Seth Mayer, 16; Lynton Onwuchekwa, 17; Nathan Clarke, 17; Vinethmi Kulasinghe, 17; Harry Woolsey, 16; Thomas Brewer, 17; and Harley Donger, 17.

“This is the second year we have entered and the most successful,” said Springwood’s Executive Headteacher and WNAT CEO, Andy Johnson.

“Alongside academic studies, Springwood offers an extensive range of high-value enrichment opportunities, many of which come with a qualification. We actively encourage our students to gain knowledge beyond the curriculum, which positions them well for applications to university.”