Biology Department

Biologically Bolton...

Year 10 Biology Challenge

Many of our Year 10 students took the Biology Challenge on-line quiz (run by the Institute of Biology) earlier this year. Questions were set from the school curriculum but the Biology Challenge also acknowledges those students whose knowledge of the subject has been enhanced by reading subject specific books and magazines, watching natural history programmes and taking notice of the news media for items of biological interest. Huge congratulations go to Amelia Wood, who achieved a Gold award and to Georgina Crowther, Amelia Bolton, Sêren Davies, Chloe Hendry and Viola Hilton, who achieved Silver awards. 20 students received Bronze Awards and 38 were Highly Commended or Commended. Congratulations to all who participated.

British Biology Olympiad

The British Biology Olympiad challenges and stimulates gifted students with an interest in Biology to expand and extend their talents. In offering a wider syllabus than A-level, it allows gifted students to demonstrate their knowledge and to be publicly recognised by the award of medals, certificates and other prizes. It is hoped that competing in the Olympiad will encourage students already interested in this valuable, wide-ranging and rewarding subject to continue their study beyond A-level. Huge congratulations go to the students who took the Biology Olympiad. Eleanor Harding, Jainee Patel and Fiona Cooper achieved Silver Awards; Saamin Cheema achieved a Bronze award; Isabelle Pearce and Tara Jeyam were Highly Commended and Amy Lyons was Commended.

Anatomy Club

Years 11, 12 and 13 students have been dissecting eyes, trotters, owl pellets and fish in the hope of learning more about anatomy! Not only have dissections been carried out but skeletons have had muscles attached, origami models have been constructed and attempts have been made at suturing pig skin.

STEM day at Edgbaston School

Year 10 students visited Edgbaston School for a STEM day. On the STEM day we were first given a talk by Robert Winston who told us all about the importance of science in the modern world and for the local community. We took part in three different workshops, each focusing in on the different aspects of STEM: first Physics, where we were able to see the many things liquid nitrogen could do; then Engineering, where we were to build a device that would keep two astronauts safe whilst landing the Mars Rover (we were given a limited supply of equipment, including paper cups, straws and marshmallows); and lastly we had a talk from Dr Blythe, who spoke about many inspirational women in science such as Ada Lovelace. It was a very inspiring and helpful day, in which we learned about the different opportunities available.

by Sara Patel

Environment club

Planting seeds and spring bulbs and making bat boxes have been the focus this term for the members of environment club. They have also recycled fabric to create makeup bags. They have had a lot of fun!

Mrs Walsh and Mrs Dalzel-Job