Head boy off to world chemistry Olympiad
Star College Bridgetown High School’s head boy will represent South Africa at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Switzerland in July.
Faraaz Parker, a Grade 12 pupil from Rylands, will compete against 350 pupils from more than 80 countries in practical and theory tests.
He qualified for the international event by achieving a first-place win at the selection test of the South African National Science Olympiad.
“I did it from Grade 8 to Grade 11, and this is the first time I get to represent South Africa. I feel happy. I am up for the challenge. I know it's hard work, but I have very supportive teachers like my chemistry teacher and principal, Ugur Patli, and my physical science teacher, Şahin Karaarslan,” Faraaz said.
His interest in science was sparked at primary school.
“I was at Turfhall Primary School, and when we started doing science experiments, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I see myself as either an electrical engineer or working in the field of mechatronics.”
According to Faraaz, the competition is based on Grade 10 to Grade 12 knowledge, but with more complex questions and extensive practical work.
“As part of my preparation for the national Olympiad, I did some past papers, but with the main one we must also do a practical, where we go into a lab and synthesise chemicals.”
Mr Karaarslan described Faraaz as a “very hard-working child”.
“He is also good in English and is a brilliant storyteller. He impressed me in this regard. He is an all-rounder and not just good in science. I know as young people, staying focussed is not easy because there are so many distractions, especially with social media. Faraaz, however, is very disciplined. My message to all young people out there is to take the challenge. There is no such thing as failing; it’s called learning. And it’s a journey,” Mr Karaarslan said.
Faraaz said it was important for him to make time for both his school work and his friends.
“I study whenever I have free time. I write down the tasks I have to do, and in this way, I am not constrained by time.”
He thanked his parents, teachers and the school community for supporting him “all the way”.
His mother, Shahida Parker, said they were very proud of Faraaz.
“He is a good boy. He is so excited to go to Switzerland. This will be his first overseas trip. He loves all his subjects and has a healthy school and social balance. As his parents, we are so grateful to his school for exposing them to this kind of competition and for the opportunities that come with it,” she said.
