2025 British Biology Competition
The British Biology Olympiad (BBO), an advanced problem-solving competition for A-level students, recently concluded with outstanding results for students from Notre Dame. This year, a total of 18,533 participants from across the UK took part in the competition, which covers topics that go beyond the standard A-level biology syllabus.
Notre Dame sent a strong contingent of 63 students to the competition, and their efforts were rewarded with several commendations, silver, bronze, and gold awards.
Eight students from Notre Dame were commended for their participation in the competition, a recognition given to all students who entered. Among these commended students, Bettina Cahlig and Kira Devine stood out, earning gold awards and placing in the top 5% of participants.
The competition also saw seven students from Notre Dame achieve silver awards, and eight students earn bronze awards. Notably, 13 students were highly commended, an accolade reserved for those who performed exceptionally well.
The BBO tests not only recall of facts but also problem-solving, understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and higher-order thinking skills. Key areas that extend beyond A-level content include in-depth and integrated understanding of cell biology and genetics, advanced biotechnology concepts, ecology and environmental biology, and human welfare topics like immunology, vaccines, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and microbial applications.
The BBO format includes multiple-choice questions alongside theoretical problems, practical tasks, and analysis of diagrams/graphs, encouraging a broader and deeper engagement with biology than typical school exams.
The success of Notre Dame students in the BBO is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the school's commitment to fostering academic excellence. The school's participation in the BBO provides students with an opportunity to challenge themselves and demonstrate their mastery of both familiar A-level topics and additional advanced concepts, especially in biotechnology, ecology, human health, and experimental biology.
[1] British Biology Olympiad, "Topics Covered", [website], [accessed 2022-03-21]. [3] British Biology Olympiad, "Format", [website], [accessed 2022-03-21]. [5] British Biology Olympiad, "Past Papers", [website], [accessed 2022-03-21].
- Notre Dame's achievement in the British Biology Olympiad (BBO) not only highlights their students' mastery of A-level topics but also demonstrates their excellence in education-and-self-development areas such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
- The BBO, which covers health-and-wellness topics like immunology, vaccines, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and microbial applications, serves as a platform for students to delve deeper into science, especially in the domains of biotechnology, ecology, and human health.
