SJBO provides a platform for upper secondary students to challenge themselves further in the area of biology, and is an initiative built on their strong grasp on fundamentals – as evidenced by Singapore’s recent PISA results. SJBO also gives students an early taste of the International Biology Olympiad, in which the Singapore team has consistently ranked within the top 3 for the past 6 years, as a further testament to how our students can excel if pushed. As such, SJBO will focus on critical thinking skills as applied to biology, and it is hoped that students develop a holistic culture and passion for learning and applying biology in their lives
Both competitions are organized by The Singapore Institute of Biology in collaboration with Science Centre Singapore, and supported by the Ministry of Education.
The theory round is held online, while the practical round is held at the Science Centre Singapore.
See previous results here.
Objectives
- SJBO is a push for students to excel in Biology
- The study of Biology with practical skills and thinking approaches are often overlooked
- Application vs. memorisation type questions; focusing on critical thinking
Structure of SJBO
- Round 1 (all): Online Theory test
- Round 2 (top 7 schools): Hands-on Practical round*
Awards
Theory round (individual awards)
- Top 5% – Gold
- Next 10% – Silver
- Next 15% – Bronze
- Next 10% – Honourable Mention
Practical round (school-based awards)
- Champion
- 1st Runner-Up
- 2nd Runner-Up
- Honourable Mention
Round 1: Online Theory Test
80 questions:
Multiple choice, T/F, fill-in-the-blanks
Weightage:
- 35% ‘O’ level standard
- 35% ‘A’ level standard
- 30% IBO standard
Schools must administer in Computer Labs (exam invigilation setting + SMM)
Round 2: Practical
Top 7 schools, based on top performers from each school.
Team-based:
- 4 team members, 1 reserve (reserve does not need to attend on the actual day)
To be selected from top 8 students from each school based on Theory Test results
Total number of students: 28.
Topics include:
- Cell & Molecular Biology
- Plant Anatomy
- Animal Anatomy
- Physiology & Morphology
- Ecology & Ethology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Registrtation
https://sjbo.sibiol.org.sg/registration/
Source: https://sjbo.sibiol.org.sg/briefing-materials/.
