Scotch College

A rewarding way to celebrate achievement

WORDS: JASON HA • YEAR 8

On 29 August, four students enthusiastically attended an award ceremony in Sydney, where they were recognised for their achievement of a perfect score in the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition.

Held in May earlier this year with over 38,000 participants, the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition is designed to challenge and stimulate secondary students in Australia and international schools in junior, intermediate and senior divisions. Of the 73 students who were awarded perfect scores, four Scotch boys (Jonathan Beh, Patrick He and Lachlan John Philip of Year 7 and Jason Ha of Year 8) attended the science workshop and award ceremony at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

The workshop, with its focus on mining, was designed to help us creatively solve problems in a team, to evaluate the best possible mining site from a selection of locations around the world. Each team member, with a specific aspect of the mining options to consider, had to base his judgment on the information given, and then with some collaboration with the other team members, to reach a final choice. Each team then had to present its decision and reasoning in a creative and imaginative way, much to the enjoyment of the panel of judges and other prize winners.

Following this enjoyable workshop, the award winners were enlightened and inspired by a number of keynote addresses. First, Dr Chris Stewart, executive director of Australian Science Innovations, welcomed the prize winners, their parents, teachers and principals, and told us the rather entertaining story of the creation of the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition.

Second, Mr Matthew Pankhurst, a graduate geoscientist, gave us an insight into his eventful career from his childhood adventures (in which he was exposed to the natural world around him) to the point where he accepted a position in one of the largest Australian mining companies, Rio Tinto, which is the proud sponsor of the competition.

Third, Mr Adam Spencer, an influential media personality, then spoke to us about his experiences and his decision to follow the path of mathematics as a career. An amusing and inspirational speaker, he persuaded us to pursue our passions and to think about the possible contributions we could make for the future. His speech left us wondering about the potential future opportunities left for us to explore, and was a memorable highlight of the day.

Following his speech, Mr Spencer then presented the awards to the prize winners.

The Rio Tinto Big Science Competition workshop and award ceremony was a genuinely rewarding way to celebrate the achievements of the students who were able to obtain perfect scores, inspire us to pursue our goals, and help us understand the significance of scientific endeavours in our daily lives. GS