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SIXTH FORM BIOLOGY NEWS
AS and A2 Biology lecture
Oxford University Museum of Natural History - Wednesday 7th December 2012
Twenty four AS Biology students had the opportunity of listening to University lecturers all based at Oxford University in the great frame of Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Each professor covered aspects of the AS Biology syllabus, extending and stretching students’ knowledge and understanding by sharing with our students the latest developments in the field of research related to each topic.
In the first lecture Dr Mark Fricker from the Department of Plant Sciences showed how the use of technology and microscopy has improved our understanding of some key cytological processes, including muscle contraction.
Professor Liam Dolan from the same Department, proceeded to give an amazingly detailed account of the evolution of terrestrial eukaryotic plant cells by means of several incredible mechanisms, one of which (TIC/TOC proteins) was based on the theory of endosymbiosis.
Dr Ashley Griffin looked incredibly young to have already completed a couple of PhDs. She is a researcher in the Department of Zoology and her detailed description of the mechanisms of cooperation and conflict between bacteria colonising an agar plate was truly fascinating.
The introduction to the afternoon museum based activities, was by an oncologist who used Lego men to describe the biological principles behind carcinogenic cells.
All speakers were extremely passionate about their field of research and managed to convey great enthusiasm to all students.
The architecture of the Museum itself is simply exquisite, and we left feeling inspired and privileged to have had the opportunity of appreciating once more what a wonderful science Biology is!
AS Biology Fieldtrip
Slapton Ley, South Devon - Friday 23rd March to Monday 26th March 2012
Departing St Peter's Square on Friday 23rd March at 12 noon Cost: £ 250 per student
This residential 4 days trip will enable students to engage in field work techniques and ecological and conservation studies, in one of the best Field Study Council Centre in England. Students will explore different ecosystems and cover key aspects of the curriculum guided by expert tutors.
British Biology Olympiads 2012
The BBO is designed to stimulate and challenge our most gifted Biology Sixth Form students to extend their knowledge and to demonstrate their talent.
This is an international competition which is rewarded with medals, certificates and other prizes.
Entrants will take a ninety minute multiple-choice paper in February. The paper will betaken in school and the answer sheets sent to the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham for marking.
Gold, Silver & Bronze medals plus certificates for those Highly Commended and Commended will be awarded on the results of this first paper.
Medals are presented by the BBO President at an annual awards ceremony in London. The current President is Professor Steve Jones.
The twelve finalists take a series of practical tests and receive training in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham over three days during the Easter holidays.
A small team will be selected to represent the UK at the International Biology Olympiads, for British students to compete with pre-university students from over 50 countries in the world.
For more information please visit: http://www.biology-olympiad.org.uk
High-fliers in the 2012 BBO:
Around 3000 students took part nationwide and only 5% of them achieved a gold medal. One of them is Emma Leeman. Her score was so high that she was invited to enter the second round to be selected for the International Olympiads in Singapore. Unfortunately Emma will be in Malawi during the International Olympiads so she could not continue with the selection process. However, we are so impressed with her amazing biological knowledge!
Emma will be invited to collect her medal at the end of June in London from Professor Steve Jones.
Charlie Scotcher and Charlie Orr achieved a excellent scores and were HIGHLY COMMENDED
George Rowberry was COMMENDED for a very good overall result
Year 9 Peter Prior Biology presentations
During Science week a small group of 5 Year 9 students took part in a presentation in front of a selected audience on one of the key aspects of Human evolution.
This project (as well as academic achievement) will be used by the Biology Department to award the Year 9 Human Biology Prize.
The research and presentation skills demonstrated by all students were outstanding and the quality of the work produced was truly impressive.
Only one of the candidates will be awarded the Human Biology Prize on Speech day.
They are:
Rachael Kennedy
Maisy Spalding
Anna Sweetman
Olivia Wilde
Matthew Owen
Year 10 Biology lecture
Birmingham Symphony Hall -Monday 23rd January 2012 -
Departing St Peter's Square at 8.15 am. Cost: £ 25 per student
All Year 10 Biology students will have the opportunity to listen to eminent speakers such as Professor Lord Robert Winston and Professor Steve Jones on topics such as genetics and fertility treatments. This should allow students to understand the various applications of Biology to everyday life.
Biology Challenge 2011-2012 for Year 9 and Year 10 students
This is a competition organised by the British Biology Olympiad for the best and most motivated biologists amongst Year 9 and Year 10 students, to stretch their knowledge and understanding and to test their enthusiasm for Biology. Students compete with other students from British schools and are issued with Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards.
If you would like to take part in this competition please see Mrs Segalini-Bower in Konrad Lorenz Lab by the end of Novmeber.
For more information please visit: http://www.biology-olympiad.org.uk
Year 9 Biology lecture
Oxford University Museum of Natural History -
Departing St Peter's Square at 7.30 am. Cost: £ 10 per student
This is becoming a 'classic' trip for HCS Year 9 students. The lecture in the University Theatre about Darwinism is inspirational and the various activities about evolution around the museum have been extremely informative and enjoyable. This trip has proven to be an extremely successful day for our students.
HCS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2012
Many photographs were submitted in the three categories: KS3 (Y7 to Y9), KS4 (Y10 and Y11) and KS5 (Y12 and 13).
We were incredibly impressed with the quality of the pictures and the talent shown by the photographers.
Judging took place during Science week and the winners are:
KS3: ANNA SWEETMAN
KS4: ALEX QUAN
KS5: HATTIE EDWARDS
KS5: HIGHLY COMMENDED ASIF HAIDER
The Biology department would like to thank Asif in particular for his inspirational work which has been displayed over the past 2 months.
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