In the Spotlight: Sophie's RSB Essay!

Upper 6 student Sophie, achieved the runner-up prize in the Royal Society of Biology's Schools Essay Competition!

Sophie wrote an outstanding essay on this year's theme of 'growth', on what happens when the carrying capacity of an ecosystem is exceeded, focusing on coral. She researched and discussed the effects and consequences of environmental change on the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae, a form of phytoplankton. She then went on to mention ways in which the bleaching of coral could be reduced and how recently discovered technologies could be used to regrow and replenish the coral populations in the future.

Sophie had to present her essay to a panel of judges and field questions from several specialists from the Universities of Leicester, De Montfort and Derby before being awarded 2nd place. This is an excellent achievement - well done, Sophie!