The British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO) is a new project within the British Physics Olympiad Trust that was launched last year, offering schools across the UK a series of competition papers in astronomy and astrophysics. The question papers are set to be stimulating, challenging students to think deeper, whilst at the same time bringing them closer to many of the latest ongoing research topics in astronomy. They provide an intriguing path to discovering more about astronomy and astrophysics and following this through to higher education.

The BAAO is currently targeted at students in years 12 and 13, with both theoretical and observational based assessments, however it assumes no prior modules specialised in astronomy have been taken. In the 2015-2016 academic year, several hundred students took the BAAO papers from 50 schools. The BAAO is a gateway to competing in the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), allowing students to represent their country and compete with over 40 other nations. Last year, the UK team won 2 Silver Medals at our first participation in the 9th IOAA in Indonesia. Their excellent performance put the UK 9th in the medal table, and 2nd in the team competition. This year, UK will participate with a full team of 5 students in the 10th IOAA in India, in December.

The talk will cover last year's outcomes, the successful IOAA competition, the selection of this year's UK team and will seek to raise awareness of this new venture.