Singing Sophia secures spot in Biology Olympiad | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

When it comes to the science of biology, Sophia Frentz has her own experimentations on how to retain the information.

The Year 13 Tauranga Girls' College student sings her notes _ literally _ and it works everytime.

``I was singing about respiration to the tune of [dance musician Basshunter's] Now You're Gone,'' she laughed of her latest exam.

And the result? Not only a pass, but the opportunity to represent New Zealand in Japan in this year's International Biology Olympiad.

She is the first student from the Bay of Plenty to make the IBO team and went through an intensive process to be selected, which started initially with 250 students nationwide.

Sophia had to undertake extracurricular work as set by the national committee and gain high marks in these tutorials, as well as sitting a national entrance exam to qualify for a training camp in

Auckland and Hamilton during the April school holidays, with 11 other students. At the camp there was further study, practical work and exams before the final team of four was announced.

More study is under way, but it doesn't feel like work to Sophia.

``I love learning. I really want to do bio-chemistry but there are lots of other options close to that, that I'd really enjoy,'' she said of her future plans.

Her biology teacher from last year, Richard Hendra, said Sophia was organised, picked up information fast, and put in the effort.

She will put all those qualities to the test in an effort to raise a $5000 contribution towards her trip _ the most expensive Olympiad for New Zealanders so far.

Lack of funding from the Ministry of Education makes the task difficult.

In China, there are special schools that train students up for the IBO, and in the US students who make it through receive free university entry.

In Australia, Qantas allows students participating in the IBO to take as many study books as they wish, with no weight restrictions or cost penalty.

Sophia will only have room for one study text book _ a stage one university study guide on biology.

A student who excels in music and sport as well as academia,

Sophia _ a prefect at Tauranga Girls' College _ said she was still ``really shocked'' by the announcement that she had made the team.

``I wasn't expecting it at all,'' she said modestly.

About 70 countries are expected to participate in the IBO competition. This past year, the New

Zealand team came home with a silver and three bronze medals _ the best result yet.

If you can help Sophia on her quest to get to Japan to represent New Zealand at this year's International Biology Olympiad, contact Tauranga Girls' College on 578-8114.