The New Zealand International Biology Olympiad

The NZIBO seeks to encourage interest, participation, and excellence in biology within New Zealand education through the nationwide promotion of participation in the New Zealand Biology Olympiad and the recognition of academic excellence in Biology at secondary school level. Annually more than 200 students participate in this programme

The NZIBO is the national organisation in New Zealand that organises and runs the New Zealand Biology Olympiad Competition. This competition culminates in the selection of the top four secondary school Biology students. These 4 students represent New Zealand at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) held in the year of their selection.

The NZIBO trains the selected students in the IBO curriculum so these students have the necessary knowledge to compete at the IBO.

NZIBO is recognized by the International Biology Olympiad (Prague) and abides by and supports the IBO rules and regulations as set out on their website http://www.ibo-info.org/ibo.htm.

Aims of the NZIBO programme

Outline of the programme

The national entrance examination
This examination is the first step in the NZIBO programme. The questions are based around a wide variety of biology topics but are resourced based so that they are suitable for students from any of the three curricula commonly used in New Zealand: NCEA, Cambridge International Examinations and the International Baccalaureate. The exam assumes only basic biological knowledge and tests thinking skills not curriculum specific knowledge. It is similar to the Australian Science exam.

The examination is aimed at Year 12 students who would like to be considered for selection for the New Zealand team. However, it is also suitable for Year 13 students who wish to highlight their academic ability in their curriculum vitae. Talented Year 11 students should be encouraged to attempt this examination. We have had a number of successful Year 11 students who have been selected for the tutorial programme. Participation in Year 11 allows them two years to study biology at a higher level, enhancing their chances of being selected for the New Zealand team.

Registration costs $30 and is online. A link will be activated on our website in Term 2. The exam will take place on the third Wednesday of Term 3.

A group of about 60-80 students who have shown outstanding ability in this exam will be awarded a Bronze certificate and then invited to participate in the tutorial programme.

The tutorial programme
A Moodle classroom, hosted by Waikato Universities Faculty of Science & Engineering provides electronic tutorials and access to NZIBO e-tutors for students participating in the tutorial programme. This helps them develop a greater depth of understanding of biology in general and the IBO syllabus in particular. Tutorials run from October to July in the following year. The order of the tutorial topics is determined by the Year 12 syllabus so that the first tutorials completed will also assist the students with sitting their school examinations.

The first five tutorials (Cell structure and function, Ecology, Plant anatomy & physiology, Animal anatomy & physiology and Genetics & evolution) are assessed in the Practical Training Camp Selection Examination.

Participants in the tutorial programme are charged a small fee of $50.

The practical training camp selection examination
This exam is held on the third Wednesday of Term 1. In 2012 this will be on 22nd  February.
The 15-20 students with the highest marks in this exam will be offered places in the residential practical training camp. These students receive a Silver certificate.

The practical training camp
The camp is fully residential and runs for approximately 8 days during the holidays at the end of Term 1. At this camp students have a full programme of practical laboratory sessions and seminars with some of New Zealand’s top scientists. The camp costs $500 but includes all resources, meals, accommodation, social activities and transport.

At the camp, students sit a further theory exam that covers the entire tutorial programme except for biosystematics. Students also sit a practical examination on the skills learnt during the camp. The NZ team of four is selected on the basis of the marks in these exams held during the camp.

The New Zealand team receive gold certificates. They continue to study the IBO syllabus with the help of e-mentors until the International Biology Olympiad which is held in July, hosted by a different country each year (click here to see the list of host countries ). The top ranked New Zealand student at the IBO competition receives a platinum certificate from NZIBO.

Benefits of participation
Participation in the NZIBO programme helps to develop a greater understanding of biology and will assist students with their school examinations and first year university papers in biology. It is recognised by universities in New Zealand and overseas as a sign of academic excellence. NZIBO alumni hold a wide variety of scholarships at universities, both here in New Zealand and overseas.

Important dates for your diary

Practical Training Camp April 2011
2011 IBO in Chinese Taipei 10 to 17 July 2011
Registrations close for the national entrance exam 7 August 2011
National entrance examination  Wednesday 17 August 2011
Tutorial programme begins Monday 3 October 2011
Camp Selection Exam Wednesday 22 February 2012
Practical Training Camp April 2012
2012 IBO in Singapore 15 to 22 July 2012