Students from South Coast Baptist College have put in an outstanding performance at the 2018 Australian Young Physicists Tournament held in Brisbane 2-6 December. The students pitted their wits against specialist Physics programs from John Monash School of Science, Hutchins School from Tasmania, Brisbane Girls Grammar School and All Saints Anglican School from QLD. SCBC emerged as second in the 6-team tournament.

Justyn Hall, Daniel Rutherford and Anna Watts studied open-ended questions given 6 months before the tournament. They researched theory from beyond normal curriculum, conducted experiments and debated their findings in rigorous Physics debates with their opponents. The students were coached in the school’s STEM specialist program.

It was a richly rewarding experience and the students shared the following thoughts:

Anna Watts, 15 reflected that ‘The tournament was an amazing experience. I learnt so much about physics and it gave me more confidence in myself. I had a brilliant time, and I am so thankful that I was blessed with the opportunity to take part’.

Justyn Hall, 17 shared that ‘the critical thinking skills you’ll gain from making your presentation, to the public speaking and debating skills, participating grows your understanding of physics and your own character.’

The school is most grateful for a grant awarded by the Australian government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to support the students’ participation.

Well done to our students and thank you Mr Gideon Choo for helping our students achieve this great result!