This year a mixed group of 32 students took up the challenge to attempt, for the first time from Manawatu College, The Big Australian Science Competition.

This is an Australian based Science quiz which can be done online and has results collated a week after the final day of the quiz. The Big Science Competiton is about science. They do not assess English, spelling, creative wring or anything else. Just science. 

The questions aim to draw on the application of the skills and knowledge in the Science Curriculum and rarely rely simply on factual recall; designed instead to test critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They are set in real‐life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable (and interesting). 

The competition is offered at three levels – junior, intermediate, senior – based on age. Each student who takes part in the Big Science Competition receives a certificate. Certificates are awarded as follows: High Distinction (approx. 5%), Distinction (approx. 10 – 15 %), Credit (approx. 25 – 30%), and Participation (remaining students). 

This year 48,000 students took part from many different countries although the majority were from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand. There were 29 New Zealand schools who entered from New Zealand. All of our students who entered acquitted themselves well and we can be proud of all 32 but each of the following are recognized for their achievement:

At Credit level: Natalie MacDonald, Joshua Timms, Jallen Scarlett and Meghan Davenport. 

At Distinction level: Callum Hollin and Tabitha Anderson.

And, proving their Science skills are in the top 5% of those 48,000 competitors, the following students are awarded 

High Distinction: Merrick Jerard and Dominic Kupa.