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What is the Irish Senior Science
Olympiad?
The Irish Senior Science Olympiad (IrSSO) is a science
competition for second level students who are under twenty on December
31st of the year of the competition.
Is it an All Ireland Competition?
It
is for second-level students from the Republic of Ireland and from Northern Ireland.
How many science subjects are
involved?
Biology,
Chemistry, Physics & Computer Programming,
Are there four Olympiads?
The Irish Biology Olympiad, the Irish
Chemistry Olympiad and the Irish Physics Olympiad are held in DCU, QUB
and in UU. The Irish Computer Programming Olympiad is held in DCU
Can a student take part in all four?
No, you must chose one
Can a student take part in both
jurisdictions?
No
Can a student apply to take part?
No, you must be nominated by your teacher (except in Computer Programming
where you apply on-line)
When is it held?
Usually
in January or February. The Principal teacher is told
How are the Finalists from the Republic of Ireland selected?
The Principal or Head Science Teacher in the Republic of Ireland is invited to nominate the most enthusiastic and keenest
student in the school in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (one student in
each subject). These students are in addition to the students
school who receive a personal invitation based on their Junior Cert
results. More than one student may be nominated in Computer
Programming.
How are the Finalists from Northern Ireland selected?
The
Principal or Head Science Teacher is asked to nominate the most
enthusiastic and keen student in the school.
How do I know if I am a finalist?
The list of finalists is published on this web site on the date which is
in the covering letter and on the website.
What do I do if my
name is not on the list and I have returned the completed forms?
Email the Team leader immediately
How much will it
cost me to take part?
There is no registration fee and no participation fee. The student must
pay all his/her own expenses incurred in travelling
to and from DCU and any other personal costs incurred, e.g. B&B,
meals etc
What kind of test?
The tests are usually Multi Choice Questionnaires (MCQ). The scientific
committee may administer additional reasoning test or practical tests.
What standard of science is required
to answer the questions?
Honours Leaving Certificate or A Level standard
Is there a practical
test/experiment?
Some subjects may include a practical
How long will the tests take?
Approximately three to four hours
What can I take into the examination
hall?
Calculator, pen, pencil, eraser, ruler, etc
Can I have past papers?
No
Why not?
Because the style and content of the
test changes each year.
Why?
We need students who show flair,
creativity and originality
Can I ask for hints or suggestions?
You may ask but we will not and
cannot tell you anything about the test
Why not?
Because
if they tell you they will then have to tell everybody else
What do we do when the test is over?
Take a break of approximately one hour. The closing ceremony will then
take place.
Must I attend the
closing ceremony?
All finalists are requested to and expected to attend the closing
ceremony. The certificates will be awarded during the closing ceremony.
If you wish to be excused please inform the Director
What do we receive at the end?
All participants will receive a specially designed certificate
Do the winners get medals?
Two Gold, four Silver & four Bronze All Ireland Science Olympiad
Medals are awarded in each jurisdiction
Do the medals winners go to the
International Science Olympiads?
Not
all of them. Four students in each subject represent Ireland at the
International Science Olympiads.
Which International Science Olympiads?
IBO, IChO, IPhO and
IOI
How are the Irish International
Olympiad Team selected?
The medal winners from the RoI and NI are
invited to a final team selection test
Does the team get any special
training?
The students do assignments. Failure to complete these assignments will
result in removal from the panel list. The team members receive,
intensive, residential training course prior to departure to the
Internationals
.If
selected on the Irish International Olympiad Team will I have to fund
myself?
Accommodation and meals during the four-day training programme,
flight to and from and accommodation and meals at the Internationals are
provided free of charge to the Irish team members.
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