Students win record medal haul at British Biology Olympiad 2011

Students have enjoyed an outstanding year at the British Biology Olympiad 2011. Beating off stiff competition from over 2800 contestants from all over the UK, the Collyer’s students won a record haul of three silver and four bronze medals. In addition, five Collyer’s students were highly commended and one received a commendation.

Dr Mike Price, Subject Leader for Biology was delighted with the record breaking success: “The computer based competition tested in-depth biological knowledge. It was incredibly demanding and I’m extremely proud that our students are among the best in the country.” 

The three silver medals were awarded to Thomas Jackson, Francesca McDowell and Fiona Watt.  Cullum Findlay, Natasha Foote, Wui Lam Chan and Evie Button were delighted to walk away with a bronze. Mohamed Alsaffar, Cullum Stayton, Jessica Martin, Abigail Pollard and Gloria Singleton were highly commended, while Christopher King received a commendation.

Natasha Foote, who won a Bronze medal, was thrilled: “I’ve loved studying Biology at Collyer’s. Dr Price and the department are hugely supportive and all the Biology students who took part in the British Biology Olympiad would like to say a big thank-you!”

The 2011 Awards Ceremony takes place at The Royal Society in London, a fellowship of the world's most eminent scientists and the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. The world famous biologist Professor Steve Jones will present the medals and prizes. Some medal winners will then have the opportunity to represent the UK at the International Biology Olympiad, hosted in Taiwan, during July.

Collyer’s Principal, Dr Jackie Johnston was delighted: “These talented Biology students and staff have worked really hard to be competitive on the national stage and their efforts have clearly paid off. They are exceptional people and I’m delighted and proud of their success”.

Joe Brock, Head of Faculty for Mathematics and Science, added: “The Collyer’s Biology team are thrilled to bits for the students. I’m also reliably informed that we have even more first year Biology stars coming through the ranks who are aiming for gold next year…so watch this space!”