IT'S official: Scots All Saints College student Callum Duncan-Keen has one of the brightest minds in NSW.
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The year 10 student took part in the state finals of the annual Australian Brain Bee competition last Thursday and finished in equal fifth place, putting him in the top 0.5 per cent of all NSW students.
Callum won his way to the state finals - which were held at the School of Medical Sciences, University of NSW - by being ranked in the top 85 students from across NSW.
After the initial round was marked at the state finals, Callum was placed in the top eight of all the students participating.
He was then required to take part in a final round of live questioning to determine the state champion and finished in equal fifth place.
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The Brain Bee is a worldwide neuroscience competition that aims to educate students about the brain and its functions, neuroscience research and careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses.
"We are extremely proud of Callum, who has consistently worked hard throughout his schooling to achieve this excellent and very deserving result," Scots All Saints headmaster David Gates said.
"To be named as one of the brightest minds in the state at such a young age is an amazing achievement."
The day began with a live question and answer round which would determine the students who would make it to the final round.
Students were tested on topics relating to the anatomy and physiology of the human brain, such as intelligence, memory, emotions, sensations, movement, stress, sleep and addiction.
Students participated in neuroscience activities, including proprioceptor and vestibular function experiments in the laboratories at UNSW.
Students also heard presentations from Neuro Youth Australia and doctoral students and visited the Disease Museum.
"These competitions of academic excellence provide exciting ways to challenge our students to bring out the best of their capabilities," Mr Gates said.
"Congratulations to Callum and his teachers from our Learning Support and Enrichment Program at Scots All Saints College for encouraging our students to pursue these challenges and perform at the highest levels of competition."
