We are delighted to share the remarkable achievement of Eltham College’s Year 13 student, Atharv, who, following an intense week of training at Oxford University, has been selected to represent the United Kingdom at the prestigious International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics. This year’s event will be held in Brazil from 17th to 26th August.
Atharv will join a team of five representing the UK, competing against participants from approximately 50 other countries. The competition spans ten intense days of theory, data analysis, and observational exams covering various topics in astrophysics.
Mr Hindocha, Head of Physics, says “Atharv has demonstrated his passion for Physics throughout his time at Eltham College. Qualifying to represent the UK at the IOAA is a hugely impressive and well earned achievement that Atharv should be extremely proud of. I’m looking forward to hearing how he gets on at the international finals in Brazil and wish him and the team great success.”
This selection is a testament to Atharv’s hard work and passion for astrophysics, and we are incredibly proud to have him showcase his talents on this international stage. It reflects not only his dedication but also the high level of education and support provided at Eltham College.
We wish Atharv the best of luck in the Olympiad and look forward to supporting him in his preparations for what will undoubtedly be an enriching and inspiring experience.
Having made it through to the training camp, I felt equal amounts of excitement and nervousness. Five days at Oxford studying Astrophysics topics in-depth, alongside learning amongst the most accomplished physicists in the country, was extremely rewarding. However, it sticks in the back of your mind that you are competing for a place on the international team with the other 13 students in the room. Every minute, I felt as if everyone around me was understanding more of the content, doing more questions, and getting more of them correct – and although this was overwhelming, I didn’t give up. I decided to work hard, for the sake of working hard. I don’t think anyone approaches Olympiad papers with high expectations due to the challenge they present. After five hours of examinations at the end of the camp which decide the places on the team, my confidence in making it through was rock bottom.
Two days later, and beyond all expectations, I had received my invitation to join the 2024 team. The 6 month journey to get to this stage has been eventful; I am extremely thankful for the support I have received from my teachers, friends, and parents. It is a true pleasure to represent the UK in the IOAA and I look forward to working alongside such talented individuals.
