We do not expect students to know things from beyond the normal A level syllabus, and we do not expect teachers to make special preparations for their students to perform well. As far as possible, content is drawn from ideas taught in the early part of A level curricula.
However, the Intermediate Biology Olympiad will occasionally topics which all students are unfamiliar with.
Most questions will ask students to use their biological intuition, logic and imagination to answer questions. They will be expected to apply basic principles which they are familiar with to new topics. There will be some quick-fire questions of basic knowledge, since students enjoy these.
Questions will aim to teach students about cutting edge and topical biology.