Perse student does the business at International Economics Olympiad
Octavian (Upper Sixth) demonstrated a head for figures by securing a bronze medal at the International Economics Olympiad (IEO) in Azerbaijan.
He was part of the UK team that finished 13th overall out of 52 countries taking part at the IEO in Baku, having qualified from the Great British Economics Olympiad national finals at Rochester Independent College in March.
However, his efforts across the three rounds of competition at the IEO saw him collect an individual bronze.
The IEO began with a four-hour economics exam featuring 20 tough multiple-choice questions, including a variety of topics not taught on the A level curriculum, and five open problems requiring contestants to think creatively to find solutions to the given economic challenges.
Financial literacy was the foundation for the second round, with a one-hour test made up of 25 difficult multiple-choice questions on personal finances and financial maths.
For the final business case round, teams had 24 hours to create a presentation assessing the economic viability of building a fixed link across the Caspian Sea between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Octavian said: “We were placed in the toughest group for the business case qualifying rounds, so we were very happy as a team to reach the finals for the business case presentations.
“The business case was challenging and very demanding, but it was a very enjoyable experience and I am proud how Team UK performed. The greatest thing I learned was to work as a team, especially on such large projects as this.
“Overall, the competition at the IEO was very difficult. Although the national finals at Rochester were very hard, the international Olympiad was even more challenging because we were facing brilliant young economists from around the world.
“Baku is also an amazing city and I really enjoyed exploring it, in particular visiting the old city and experiencing the culture.
“The whole experience was incredible and I would definitely recommend students register to take part in the national Olympiad to get a chance to enter the international Olympiad.”