PARKSIDE School students have received awards from the Royal Society of Biology.

The sixth formers travelled to London’s Savoy Place to receive certificates for their efforts in the Biology Olympiad.

Skye Lintott said she and fellow students at the Cullingworth school clapped heartily as fellow achievers went up to receive their certificates.

She said: “It was exciting to realise just how many budding biologists there are around the world, and the atmosphere was one of congeniality and a sense of appreciation for the science.

“It was an excellent opportunity to meet both people studying, and those who have advanced the boundaries of, biology.”

The Parkside students join teenagers from across the country in the conference room of IET London, surrounded by portraits of great pioneers in science and technology.

Skye said: “It seemed that they were assessing if we were worthy to be in this wonderful place, but thankfully by the end of the Education Awards Ceremony I think they were satisfied.

“Introductions preceded an enthusiastic presentation by Jiaqi Chen, who had represented the UK competing in the International Biology Olympiad.

“Then came a thrilling address by Dr Jon Copley on exploring deep-sea life in the Antarctic, inspiring us all to become marine biologists.

“A few highlights from the talk included the discovery of a new family of seven-armed starfish; and the enchanting idea that eco-systems of the deep Antarctic possibly resemble the environment as it was in the glacial age, meaning that visiting it was like stepping back in time.

“I would encourage everyone interested in biology to get involved in the Biology Olympiad- after all, it may take you to London, or even to bottom of the Antarctic!”