EMILY Spencer, a Durban Girls’ High School Grade 12 learner, has been selected to represent South Africa at the International Biology Olympiad in Vietnam.
When it comes to biology, it seems that KZN girls have what it takes to succeed. Of the four learners selected to represent South Africa at the International Biology Olympiad, three are from KZN and they are all girls. Emily Spencer will be joined by Ruth Purcell and Helen Kang from St Mary’s DSG while the sole boy in the team, Mario Ervedosa, is from Crawford College in Pretoria.
Around 4 000 learners from around the country took part in the preliminary round with the top 10 writing a final selection exam to determine the team. The successful students will leave for Hanoi in July to compete in the top competition for high school biology students from around the world. In order to prepare for the competition, the team has been encouraged to study 1st and 2nd year university textbooks with a particular focus on anatomy, genetics and molecular biology among other subjects.
“I felt like I’d done okay in the final test but it was a nerve-wracking wait for the results. I’ve never visited an Asian country before so I’m really looking forward to the excursions we’ll be doing in between the tests and practical exams. I’m also keen to meet the other competitors from the 62 countries that participate in this Olympiad,” said Emily.
This isn’t the first time Emily has experienced an international competition. In 2011 she was part of the Manor Gardens Kids Lit Quiz team that pulled off an impressive win at the world finals in New Zealand. Three years later, she was chosen by the National Theatre of Scotland to represent South Africa as part of the Commonwealth Games performing company; a group of 90 drama students from around the Commonwealth who performed various pieces throughout Glasgow in the run up to the games.
Emily puts her success down to focus and determination.
“When I have my sights set on something, I just put my head down and work as hard as I can to achieve it. My next challenge is to try to raise the R28, 000 needed for the trip!” she said.
If anyone can help with raising funds for Emily’s trip, contact Linda on linda@wordshop.co.za
