Chemistry Platinum Programme (X015) is an Enrichment Programme Unit for students with a special interest in chemistry competition preparation, advanced chemistry problem-solving, scientific reasoning, analytical thinking, competition-style questions, UK Chemistry Olympiad, and international chemistry competition with differentiated competition pathways for first- and second-year students.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, students should be able to:
- apply chemistry knowledge to challenging and unfamiliar problems
- analyse and interpret unfamiliar chemical information
- integrate knowledge from different areas of chemistry when solving complex problems
- select and apply appropriate strategies to competition-style questions
- approach multi-stage chemistry problems systematically
- evaluate alternative problem-solving approaches
- work effectively with past paper and competition-style questions
- demonstrate increased resilience and persistence when solutions are not immediately apparent
- prepare independently for external chemistry competitions
- apply developed knowledge and problem-solving skills under competition conditions
- reflect on competition performance and identify areas for further development.
21st century skills addressed in the unit:
- Numeracy
- Scientific literacy
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Communication
- Curiosity
- Initiative
- Persistence
- Adaptability
Duration and frequency of sessions
2 hours per session.
Note: Approximately 10 structured preparation sessions for each competition pathway. Sessions will generally be held fortnightly, increasing in frequency as appropriate in the period preceding the relevant competition or competition round. The two pathways will operate at different points during the academic year, in accordance with the schedules of the UK Chemistry Olympiad and the International Chemistry Competition.
Total duration of the EPU
20 hours
Proposed day and time
Typically Wednesday between 14:00 and 16:00.
Marks earned
Maximum marks possibly earned in this EPU: 10 marks
Further details
The Chemistry Platinum Programme will comprise two distinct 20-hour competition preparation pathways: one for first-year students preparing for the International Chemistry Competition and one for second-year students preparing for the UK Chemistry Olympiad. Each pathway will consist of 10 structured preparation sessions, progressing from familiarisation with the relevant competition format and guided competition-style problem solving to increasingly independent and challenging practice. Sessions may include targeted revision and extension of relevant chemistry concepts; development of problem-solving strategies; analysis of unfamiliar chemical information; quantitative and mathematical reasoning; past paper or competition-style questions; timed practice; and discussion of alternative approaches to solutions.
The precise content and distribution of sessions will remain flexible according to the requirements, format and official schedule of the respective competitions, with preparation becoming more focused as each competition or competition round approaches.
Students will be expected to attend scheduled sessions for their respective 20-hour competition pathway and engage actively with past paper and competition-style problems.
Participation will require students to attempt challenging problems, contribute to discussion of possible solutions, reflect upon errors and unsuccessful approaches, and undertake independent preparation between sessions where appropriate.
Students should recognise that meaningful competition preparation may require commitment beyond scheduled EPU sessions, particularly in the period immediately preceding the relevant competition or, where applicable, a subsequent competition round.
Additional benefits
- Structured preparation for external chemistry competitions.
- Experience with UK Chemistry Olympiad and International Chemistry Competition-style problems.
- Development of advanced scientific reasoning and analytical thinking.
- Improved ability to approach unfamiliar and multi-stage chemistry problems.
- Development of effective competition problem-solving strategies.
- Increased confidence under challenging and timed conditions.
- Greater independence in learning and preparation.
- Development of resilience and persistence.
- Opportunities to represent Junior College in external chemistry competitions.
- Recognition of participation, commitment and achievement.
- This EPU may be used as an SOK project, subject to terms, conditions, and approval from your SOK project tutor.
Conditions
- Expression of interest followed, where necessary, by an interview process. Participation is intended for Junior College Chemistry students interested in preparing for external chemistry competitions. First-year students will follow the international Chemistry Competition pathway, while second-year students will follow the UK Chemistry Olympiad pathway.
- A minimum of one student is required to run the unit.
- The maximum number of students participating in the unit is 5-10. The maximum number is subject to the competition requirements and available resources.
- Students are expected to demonstrate commitment to scheduled preparation sessions and independent practice associated with their respective pathway. Participation in individual competitions will remain subject to the relevant competition's eligibility, registration and participation requirements.
Registration/Participation fees
No fees are envisaged. Students will be informed of any external competition registration or participation fees, where applicable.
EP Coordinator
Ms Maria Flask
