Team IJSO 2021 at the closing ceremony of the competition

Reporter: I wonder how you feel when you know you have such a high achievement. Did this result surprise you or was it expected?

Chau Giang: Indeed, the results of this year's team were very surprising to not only us but also all teachers and parents. During the entrance exam, we often encouraged each other that even if the result is 6 certificates, everyone has tried their best. No one expected that in the end we all got medals and then there was also a “Theory winner”. When we heard each person's name at the awards ceremony, we were blown away. Unbelievable!

Tuan Kien: Getting a gold medal in this competition is beyond my imagination as well as that of my friends, teachers and family. This year we had a disadvantage compared to other years due to the epidemic, so we did not expect such high prizes. The moment the award was announced, all worries disappeared and only surprise, joy and emotion remained.

Ngoc Mai: I feel really surprised, because during the time of reviewing the team, I always feel that I am weak, unable to process all the knowledge of 3 years of high school physics - chemistry - biology at the beginning. After finishing the exam, I almost broke down and was mentally prepared to not have any medals. But in the end, luck smiled at me.

Reporter: How long did you spend preparing for this competition?

Anh Minh: In addition to studying for 8 hours at school, in the evening I usually spend 3-4 hours studying, doing assignments and accumulating knowledge because the range of knowledge of the contest is very wide and associated with real life.

Despite the short review time, the Amsers tried their best and brought glory to themselves, their families, the school and the country.

Chau Giang: I have been preparing for IJSO since the last years of middle school, but when I see the amount of knowledge that needs to be learned in less than 3 months, I am still shocked. Our class schedule is full for the whole week, so I usually don't cram more time to learn new knowledge, but just do the exercises and re-read the copied materials.

Reporter: What is your biggest motivation in the journey to conquer the medals of the IJSO exam? During the preparation and participation, did you feel any pressure from anywhere?

Chau Giang: The dedication and enthusiasm of the team's teachers is my biggest motivation. I always tell myself that I have to do my best for the teachers' expectations in the team. That is also the biggest pressure for me always. Regardless of the results, the teachers are always proud of us, but with good results, I will feel more worthy about everyone's efforts.

Bao Nhu: The biggest motivation that made me decide to press on with this exam was probably from my previous classmates, my 5 teammates and the team's teachers. They have inspired me a lot - everyone is very dedicated and attentive to our learning. During the process of joining the team, I also encountered a lot of unavoidable pressure from teachers, school, family, friends and also from myself.

Seniors visit and encourage the team

Reporter: Did you face any difficulties during this year's exam preparation - during this complicated pandemic?

Anh Minh: The fact that almost half of the time we have to study online is what we and the teachers are most worried about, because the experiments can't be done - and this is the hardest part for us. Another worry is the complicated disease situation affecting the competition. Pressure or strength F (symbol of Force) is not as scary as F0, F1.

Phuong Thuy: At first, we had to study online, so the knowledge was quite difficult in the beginning, and we were learning later than usual. After that, when I went to school directly, everything was better.

Serious preparation moments of the students

Reporter: When entering this year's exam, do you think that the contestants from any country will be your "most formidable" opponents?

Ngoc Mai: When studying for admission, the teachers always "flash" with us that the contestants from Taiwan and India are always the most formidable friends - rarely for many years have their countries won silver medals in that huge list of achievements.

Tuan Kien: From what teachers said, Taiwan and India are usually the two strongest countries, but that doesn't affect me too much. I just need to try to break my limits and succeed.

Reporter: Where did your passion for physics - chemistry - biology come from?

Bao Nhu: I've been interested in science since I was a kid and we have a lot of science books at home. The older I get, the more grateful I am to my teachers, as well as my seniors and parents for inspiring me in this subject. I feel that learning about the phenomena in life around us is something very interesting.

Chau Giang: My passion is from my brother! My brother - La Trieu Duong was once a member of the IJSO 2018 team. At that time, I thought that he was able to experiment so I found science to be very "cool". I like the little things of science and then gradually like all of it, considering it as a source of motivation for me.

Reporter: Can you share your most memorable memory with your teammates and teachers? Who would you like to thank in this contest?

IJSO team with the Board of Directors and teachers of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted

Anh Minh: The most memorable are the busy days of learning theory and experiments: "House - Ams - Pedagogical University", the practice sessions were directly conducted. Experimenting and anxiously waiting for the results were things that I could only read in books before. First of all, I want to thank Ms. Luong Thuy Duong - our Physics teacher and our leader because she is the one who inspires and motivates us, was always dedicated to taking care of us like a mother, and accompanied us throughout the process of learning. I would also like to thank Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, Ms. Mai Thi Tinh and Mr. Le Manh Cuong for regularly encouraging and teaching. I would like to thank the teachers at the Board of Education and the Department of Education and Training for creating conditions for us to participate in this useful and interesting learning ground. I would also like to thank all the teachers involved in teaching the team - teachers are especially important factors for the overall success of the team. Finally, I would like to thank my family, grandparents, parents and older sister for always taking care of and encouraging me throughout the years.

Reporter: As far as AWW can see, quite a few students have difficulty in learning natural subjects. What is your opinion on this and do you have any advice for students who want to improve their level in physics - chemistry - biology?

Anh Minh: In my opinion, if you want to study well in any subject, you need to have passion, have specific goals and try your best to achieve that goal.

Ngoc Mai: I'm not too good at natural subjects either, but I have a super sincere piece of advice for those of you who have difficulty learning natural subjects like me: Please do a lot of exercises! By doing the exercises and reviewing the formulas taught by the teachers, you also know how to apply those formulas flexibly and also understand the nature of the problem better.

The team is hard at work practicing the experiment part, preparing for the big exam

Reporter: Finally, what message do you want to send to the readers or those who intend to take the IJSO exam?

Tuan Kien: Learning IJSO is a completely different experience, during which I learn about the world out there, acquire new knowledge related to life. The way of learning here is also different from that in class because students are more active. At IJSO, children will also be exposed to practice early and learn a lot of new things. This year due to the epidemic, we can't go abroad, but if we did, it would have been great!

Ngoc Mai: After all, IJSO is a memorable experience that you should try, even if you have to sacrifice a lot of things to focus on studying. There will be times of fatigue and stress because you can't cram new knowledge into your head; but when you join IJSO, you will meet great teachers and make great friends. And more than that, the children will be able to approach science in a natural way, not only in books but also have extremely interesting practice sessions!

Bao Nhu: The process of preparing for the IJSO exam is really stressful and super hard, but on the other hand, I also feel that this is a valuable and memorable experience. Thanks to the companionship of teachers and friends, every day at school, the team is very happy. After participating in the exam, we also accumulated a lot of experience that perhaps only IJSO can bring. So I think you juniors shouldn’t hesitate to give it a try!

Phuong Thuy: I just want to remind you that: although learning IJSO is really stressful and hard, after the learning process, you will have a very valuable experience. You will learn theory, practice all 3 subjects - something that is rarely done - and study while eating cake (laughs). In addition, the children will also meet many new friends and accumulate a “basket of memes” about their teachers!

Outstanding faces of the Vietnam International Science Team

Ams Wide Web would like to thank the IJSO 2021 team members for today's conversation. Wish you always shine, fulfill your plans and always have abundant health, and always be happy in life!

Reporter: Nhu Ha Xuan Anh - Location 2124

Photo: Interviewees

Translator: Do Thuan An English 1 2023