Josh Hodgson to represent Great Britain in International Biology Olympiad Competition in Singapore

Eighteen year-old Josh Hodgson is celebrating success following the finals in the national British Biology Olympiad. Josh and the three other winners of the national finals, which took place at the University of Birmingham in April, are to represent Great Britain at the international finals in Singapore, this summer. Students from up to sixty countries are expected to take part in Asia.  Of the four British finalists Josh is the only one who isn’t studying for his A levels in an independent school.

Kathy Wright, who coordinates the scheme says, “We are so proud that Josh has made it through to the final four from over 4000 competitors. Josh is a truly gifted biologist, and following the competition has a place to study natural sciences at Christ’s College, Cambridge.”

The aim of the Biology Olympiad is to challenge and stimulate gifted students and encourage them to expand and extend their knowledge and talents. Before the final Josh went through two rounds of selection which included multiple choice papers, written papers and practical assessment. The International final in Singapore will include some of the top pre-university students in the world and will include two days of practical and theoretical testing.

“In biology we always seek ways of stimulating gifted students. This competition is ideal as it requires students to demonstrate their knowledge in many ways and is a great foundation to degree. Josh has always been a very committed student and a very talented biologist we wish him well both in Singapore and in his further studies.”  Dr Neil Roberts, Head of Biology.

Following the results of the Biology Olympiad Josh found that he has also won a Gold Medal in the first round of the Chemistry Olympiad.