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Science students celebrate success in British Biology Olympiad

21 Jun 2023
Students holding certificates

A-Level students from Middlesbrough College Sixth Form are celebrating success in the British Biology Olympiad 2023, an international competition organised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) for post-16 students.

Over 13,000 students from more than 800 Schools and Colleges worldwide took part in this year’s competition. They completed two 45-minute papers covering familiar and novel topics across the entirety of biology, from ecology to biotechnology.

Seven Middlesbrough College students were recognised for their achievements. Allex Jeffries, Destiny Brown, Izzy Dohring and Ellie Pearson were all Highly Commended, while Jakub Zapolowski was awarded the bronze medal, Aimee Wood was awarded the silver medal, and Harry Lawlor took home the gold.

Aimee, a second year A Level Biology student, said: “We’re tested on topics beyond the A Level Biology specification which is challenging, but a really great opportunity to learn more.

“After College, I plan on studying Medicine at Newcastle University.”

Jacob, also in his second year, added: “It was a great experience and I really enjoyed finding links to topics we’ve studied at A Level.

“I’m hoping to continue my studies at The University of Sheffield with a degree in Aerospace Engineering.”

The seven successful students are taught by Dr Richard Spencer MBE, Head of Science at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form. Richard (better known as ‘Doc’) is a previous national winner of the RSB’s School Biology Teacher of the Year competition.

Dr Spencer said: “We have been entering students in the Biology Olympiad for the past nine years and we’ve proved once again that our science students are up there with the best. We’re very proud of their achievements.”

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