Recently, we received the awesome news that Anika Hayes has been selected to attend the training camp for the New Zealand Biology Olympiad Team.

The NZIBO aims to enhance the educational opportunities for biology students in New Zealand by fostering academic excellence in biology and also to develop relationships between tertiary educators, employers, and talented young biologists, increasing the number of students who see biology as a vibrant and rewarding career pathway.

In order to make it this far in the selection process, Anika sat the national entrance examination. Only the top 200 students from this exam moved forward to the tutorial programme, where students are taught and extended in their Biology knowledge.

After this a second examination is held, and from this only the top 20 - 25 students from around New Zealand are invited to the next stage, a residential camp running for 10 days in the holidays.

After this camp the top 4 students will be selected and will make up the team to travel to Astana, Kazakhstan to compete against Biology students from around the world.

The whole Science Learning Area is so proud of Anika for her mahi and determination to make it this far in this tough selection process!