Biology students put their knowledge to the test in a national competition that saw them pit their wits against some of the subject’s young high flyers.

The SRC Bede Sixth Form students more than proved that they can hold their own in the British Biology Olympiad, picking up a handful of silver and bronze awards.



“This is a prestigious competition,” said Biology Teacher Gemma Bate. “Given that the content is challenging and extends the syllabus, I think that the students should be exceptionally proud of themselves.”

The test is made up of two, one hour multiple choice tests taken online under supervised exam conditions. And eight SRC Bede students came away with awards or commendations.

Receiving a silver award for his efforts, Chris Andrews, 17, from Billingham, said: “I honestly didn’t know what to expect so I was proud of the result.”

Also receiving a silver award, Megan Eden, 17, from Thornaby, added: “I thought the test was hard so I didn’t expect to get a silver.”

Open to students from around the world the British Biology Olympiad aims to challenge and stimulate students with an interest in biology to further develop their knowledge.

The contest is also used as the first stage in selecting a team to represent the UK in the International Biology Olympiad.

“It is a challenging competition so I was over the moon how well our students have done,” said Gemma.

Christopher Andrews and Megan Eden took silver awards, Samuel Gamblin and Rosie Ivison both received bronze, Ben Gleave, Clare Wells and Lucy Harrison were all Highly Commended and Lindsey Wilson was Commended.