A-Level Biology students from Strode College in Street brought back six medals when they took part in the British Biology Olympiad.

The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents. It enables students to demonstrate their abilities and to be suitably rewarded with publicly recognised certificates and medals. If successful is the entry point to the International Biology Olympiad. national Biology Olympiad

The event is open to students in post-16 education studying at school or college. The competition consists of two, 45-minute multiple choice papers to be taken online under staff supervised exam conditions.

Students were presented with topics and ideas which they are not familiar with, they competed with their problem-solving skills and understanding of core principles.

Our students were excited to take part and learn from the process. Connor Boakes won a gold medal. He is an outstanding student and Whitstone School alumni, and has recently been accepted to read Biology at Oxford University.

Three former Crispin school students Lottie Mills, Ollie Rutter and Andrew Hewitt participated in the Olympiad bringing back a silver medal by Lottie and a bronze medal from Andrew. Ollie who plans to study biology at Bristol UWE received a highly commended award.

Lottie who has been accepted at University of Warwick to study Biomedical Science Integrated Masters, said: 'I really enjoyed the Olympiad questions, it's such a great opportunity to apply your skills to completely different scenarios and stretches you beyond the A-level curriculum. I particularly enjoyed the question about clear frogs!'

Connor Perrin and Kayleigh Owen both Stanchester Academy former students won medals: bronze and highly commended respectively. Kayleigh plans to study Veterinary Science and Connor will take a gap year before committing to higher education.

"I found the Olympiad useful because it introduced me to some wider topics in biology in an interesting and challenging way," said Connor.

The competition took place from the 1st - 10th of March and was open to students in post-16 education studying at school or college. Over 10,000 students took part, representing over 700 schools and colleges.

Lisa Henden, Course Manager A Level Biology is proud of her students' accomplishments.

"Well done to all our students who took part in The British Biology Olympiad, as it challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents beyond their course curriculum," she said. "We are extremely proud of their achievements and special mention must go to Connor Boakes - Gold Award, and Lottie Mills - Silver Award, who placed in the top 5% and 15% of all students. A fantastic achievement!!"

🥇Connor Boakes - scoring Gold (top 5% of all entrants)

🥈Lottie Mills – Silver

🥉Connor Perrin and Andrew Hewitt - Bronze

🏅Kayleigh Owen and Ollie Rutter - Highly commended