The National Entrance Examination

This examination is the first step in the NZIBO programme. The exam assumes only basic biological knowledge and tests thinking skills not curriculum specific knowledge so is suitable for any New Zealand high school students. The questions are based around a wide variety of biology topics and are resource based providing excellent practice of the thinking skills required for NZQA scholarship biology examinations.
The examination is aimed at Year 11 and 12 students with an interest in Biology and who would like to be considered for selection for the New Zealand team. It is also suitable for Year 13 students in preparation for NZQA scholarship biology or who wish to highlight their academic ability in their curriculum vitae. Enthusiastic Year 9 and 10 students are encouraged to attempt this examination as a number have been selected for the tutorial programme. Students who show strong ability in the entrance examination are invited to participate in the online tutorial program.
For more information visit Preparing for exams.

Registration costs $40 but is subsidised for students from schools who have not had students register before and can be waived for Māori and Pasifika students. The exam will take place on the fifth Wednesday of Term 3 each year. Please visit Registration to register for the national entrance examination.

 

The Tutorial Programme

NZIBO alumni tutors coordinate the program providing support as students complete self-directed online tutorials. Mastering Biology and Education Perfect platforms provide access to the Campbell Biology e-textbook and assignments. These interactive assignments are a fun and effective way to learn Biology beyond the high school curriculum. The syllabus is set at university level and is academically challenging but provides excellent extension learning and a head start at university for passionate young biologists. A broad range of topics is covered including Cell structure and function, Ecology, Plant anatomy & physiology, Animal anatomy & physiology and Genetics & evolution.
Tutorials run from September until April the following year. Tutorial workload is low during Term 4 while students focus on school exams, but ramps up to around 5-8 hours of independent study per week over the summer holidays for full tutorial completion. This program is self-directed allowing students the flexibility to manage their time effectively and prioritise study topics around their interests and available time. Learning throughout the tutorial program is tested by the Camp Selection Exam held on the fifth Wednesday of Term 1 (see Preparing for Exams for more information).

Tutorial programme participation costs approximately $125 (TBC). Scholarships may be available to tauira for whom the fee would prevent participation in the tutorial programme.

 

The Practical Training Camp

20 - 25 students with excellent marks in the camp selection exam AND who have participated fully in the tutorial programme will be offered places in the residential practical training camp. Wild card places may also be offered at the discretion of NZIBO.
The camp is fully residential and runs for approximately 10 days during the holidays at the end of Term 1. On camp, students have a full programme of practical laboratory sessions, field work, and seminars with some of New Zealand’s top scientists. The camp is heavily subsidised by NZIBO sponsors but there is a cost to each student of $1500 (TBC). Schools often financially support their students and NZIBO scholarships are available to students in financial need.
The camp includes both practical and theoretical assessments and the NZ team of four is selected on the basis of their performance throughout the camp. The team continue to study the IBO syllabus with the help of team mentors until the International Biology Olympiad. The IBO is held in July and hosted by a different country each year (click here to see the list of future host countries).