Biology Olympiad

Biology, Chemistry & Covid

East Sussex College students awarded prizes in annual Biology Olympiad and recognised for their work during lockdown

Six A-Level Biology students studying at East Sussex College in Lewes have been awarded prizes in the Intermediate British Biology Olympiad. Emma Stone was awarded the Silver medal and Bethany Matthews won Bronze. Sarah Lancaster won the Highly Commended prize and Laura Feeney and Phoebe Ring scooped Commended prizes.

The competition is designed to find the very best Year 1 A-Level Science students in the country. Twelve ESC students entered, with six of them winning prizes.

“I am so proud of the students,” says Sophie Ainsworth, A-Level Biology Co-ordinator and Chemistry tutor at ESC. “They were up against tough competition, including students from some of the best private schools in the country, so this is an amazing achievement.”

The competition took place during lockdown at the beginning of June. The students had to sit a 60-miinute exam which contained about 70 questions. They prepared by working through the syllabus outside of college time. Like a lot of learners, Highly Commended student, Sarah Lancaster, 17, has been juggling work and studying, and an abrupt end to her academic year in class at college because of Covid-19. However, she worked hard, completing the competition while continuing her A-Level studies via online learning and working increased hours as a Host Volunteer for St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Eastbourne.

The Hospice recently praised Sarah’s hard work and dedication, saying, “Since the start of lockdown, Sarah has upped her game, sometimes doing four evening shifts a week, plus the occasional weekend shift. She has become one of our most experienced Host volunteers, well able to help others in the role.”

“Sarah’s dedication and all of the students’ achievements since lockdown and beyond are definitely something worth celebrating,” adds Sophie.

Photo: Sarah Lancaster