On Friday 18 August, seven Year 10 students visited the University of Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building for the State Final of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge. This is the country’s only neuroscience competition for high school students. The competition is an opportunity for students to learn more about neurological conditions and brain disorders as well as the structure and function of different sections of the brain.

The students scored among the highest results in South Australia in Round 1 of testing and were invited to compete in the State Final round. To prepare for this competition, these Brain Bee students collectively answered over 18,000 questions about the brain. On the State Final day, as well as undertaking rigorous testing, they visited an anatomy museum and neuroscience lab. They were able to view human brain samples, meet with PhD students undertaking ground-breaking research in spinal cord repair and a range of neurological conditions and see an experiment using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Many students who take part in this competition across Australia go on to incredible careers in medical research and medicine.

We congratulate Josh, Lucas, Jude, Sophie, Alexandra, Ciara and Evelyn on this tremendous achievement.

We also congratulate our team of four students - Sophie, Alexandra, Ciara and Evelyn - who came third in the state in the team section of the competition. This was an incredible achievement in a highly competitive field.

A big congratulations to everyone. Please email Mrs Rieger if you are currently in Year 9 and would like to take part in the Brain Bee competition in 2024.

Emma Rieger
Enrichment and Extended Learning