West Coventry Academy chemistry stars: Two talented Coventry sixth formers have become the first students from their school to win awards in a prestigious Cambridge University chemistry challenge.
West Coventry Academy students Alexi Osuji and Moksh Paryani, both in Year 12, earned copper certificates in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, a demanding competition designed to stretch some of the country’s most promising young chemists.
Head of Science Savina Raju said the achievement was a major milestone for the school.
She said: “The competition is an exam taken in school under controlled conditions. It goes well beyond the A Level curriculum and replicates how students at universities such as Cambridge are examined.
“It is incredibly challenging, and I couldn’t be prouder of how Alexi and Moksh prepared and rose to it.”
Alexi and Moksh, who are both aiming to study medicine after completing their A Levels, sat the test on 15 June.
Alexi said: “The Cambridge Chemistry Challenge gave us the chance to explore chemistry at a broader and more demanding level, far beyond what we have learnt in lessons.”
Moksh added: “It encouraged us to apply our existing knowledge to unfamiliar and complex scenarios, strengthening our analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“Mrs Raju, our A Level teacher, believed we could do it. We did, and we are both really pleased with ourselves.”
Mrs Raju said the pair had shown real potential in science.
She said: “For our students, entering the challenge was about building self-belief and high aspirations. STEM is very important here at West Coventry Academy, and we want our students to showcase their talents nationally.
“Events like this push our highest-attaining students towards some of the most prestigious institutions in the world and encourage them to explore what they can achieve.
“It is important our students know they can compete with pupils from privileged backgrounds and private education, and we hope more students will take on the challenge in the years to come.”
The West Coventry Academy chemistry department are hoping more students will be inspired to take the challenge in the coming years.
Headteacher Ana Neofitou said: “We are so proud of Moksh and Alexi. This is a first for West Coventry Academy and has really put us on the map.”