This challenge is run by UKBC, a registered charity that works closely with the Royal Society of Biology. The challenge is the first in a series of competitions culminating in the British Biology Olympiad, open to students studying A Level Biology at the age of 17-18. This is the first time pupils at Ark Pioneer have been able to compete, as the challenge is for pupils in years 9 and 10.
The challenge is designed to stimulate pupils’ curiosity about the natural world. It has encouraged many of our pupils to take an interest in biology outside of school, whether that be through reading biology-based books, news articles, magazines or by watching nature documentaries.
On top of this, all pupils that took part are eligible for a free year of BioNet membership (https://www.rsb.org.uk/membership/individual-membership/bionet), which provides them with an electronic subscription to The Biologist (https://thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist) magazine and e-newsletters featuring bioscience-related news and events.
Our pupils completed two online assessments, which had questions on national curriculum areas and questions that encouraged pupils to apply their scientific knowledge and skills to unfamiliar scenarios- a real test for our keen biologists. The science department at Ark Pioneer is immensely proud of all pupils that took part; we have some fantastic results and look forward to entering more year groups into the challenge next year. Here are the certificate and commendation awards:
Bronze Certificate and Best in School Award - congratulations to: Siham.
Bronze Certificate - congratulations to: Siham, Sohil, Thomas, Fabian.
Highly Commended Award- congratulations to: Henry, Jayden, Alaa, Matilda, Anthony, Avah, Amaan.
Commended Award- congratulations to: Samuel, Taran, Mason, Kalina, Luke, Arminas, Jake, Meerko, Maksim