Science Olympiads as Vehicles for Identifying Talent in the Sciences: The Singapore Experience

Abstract

Science olympiads are important vehicles for science communication, especially between scientists, educators, and students. When students participate in these olympiads, they gain exposure to a different view of science from that which they experience at the high school level. Close contact with university faculty and science researchers will provide students with a glimpse of what careers in science can offer. For those who will not pursue science any further than high school, at least they will hopefully have a higher level of scientific literacy.

There is scant literature on the science olympiads, especially on best practices from countries which have consistently done well in these competitions. Aiming to address this issue, our chapter focuses on the Singapore experience. There are multiple factors that contribute to Singapore’s sustained success in these competitions over three decades. These include (1) a strong culture in science and mathematics learning in schools and universities coupled with ample career opportunities in science and technology, (2) the internationally competitive science and mathematics curricula in Singapore schools, (3) the strong support from Singapore’s education authority for students to be exposed to such competitions, (4) the involvement of dedicated university academics and teachers in mentoring students, and (5) the partnership of scientific societies in the natural sciences in organizing subject-based national olympiads to identify top talents for further grooming and the rigorous enrichment programs. Students could also be motivated by the honor of winning a gold medal which potentially enhances their chances of gaining admission into a number of top universities (inclusive of the two premier local universities), especially when only few foreigners are admitted annually.