Biology in Action Day
Our Year 12 students were treated to a variety of talks from specialists in their fields during the Biology in Action Day, held at The Emmanuel Centre, London. Talks included Genomic Ophthalmology, the discovery of Ancient Pathogen DNA, and the latest scientific advancements in Trauma Biology. It was an exciting day of informative discussions, interactive sessions and inspirational stories. Read what Ava-Mae, Millie A and Imogen T, our Year 12 SWPS students, thought of the event.
The Biology In Action event in Westminster was a wonderful experience that, as an A Level student, I found intriguing and vastly useful – especially the discussion of exam tips and preparation. Each diverse presentation was densely packed with knowledge and advice. My favourite talk was given by James Piercy, Science communicator, trainer and consultant. Piercy presented a detailed and engaging lecture on medical milestones that have helped prevent blood loss related deaths. The way in which Piercy explained each step taken by researchers and the NHS to improve our healthcare, the effects each medical advancement has had, and the importance of testing blood, was truly fascinating. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience; not only did I learn an astounding amount about biology in a short period of time, but I was also able to develop my own interests further and explore potential career paths.
– Ava-Mae M
The range of talks on offer at this event was phenomenal. The first talk, presented by Mariya Moosajee, shared her journey in becoming a Genomic Ophthalmologist and her experiences of working abroad. I found the ‘Pathogens, Plagues and Prehisory’ talk by Pooja Swali, PhD student at The Francis Crick Institute & Science Communicator, extremely interesting as it detailed how scientists can pair with archaeologists to establish the causes of death of ancient skeletons, in order to prevent future diseases. The ‘Saving our Insects’ talk by Dave Goulson, Biologist, discussed the importance of looking after our insects and how life would be without them. The ‘Is It Worth It’ talk by Helen Pitcher discussed White Rhinos and how to save the species. The ‘Transforming Trauma’ talk by James Piercy, Science Communicator, showed the process of blood clotting and transfusions and their use in trauma hospitals. The talks were also very beneficial for networking as the speakers were happy to answer all questions and most shared their contact emails in order for us to gain advice from them in the future. It was a great experience as it really broadened our knowledge on the subject of Biology and careers in Biology.
– Millie S & Imogen T
Thank you Friends of Sir William Perkins’s School
Thank you to ‘Friends of Sir William Perkins’s School’ for purchasing a binocular microscope to help our biologists identify the mutations in Drosophila and set up some breeding experiments to determine the inheritance pattern.
Physics Trip to McLaren Technology Centre
Our A Level Physicists were fortunate to go on a tour of the world-famous McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, something normally reserved for Formula 1 drivers. Our aspiring automotive engineers were shown around by Kenny Kong and the team. ️ Kenny is a reliability engineer and STEM coordinator at McLaren Racing, and drives a STEM outreach programme to encourage more diverse talent into motorsport. Our SWPS students enjoyed touring the building, seeing how engineering and F1 race cars have altered over history and seeing the F1 trophies. The trip enthused our students appetite for engineering and physics. To read more about McLaren diversify talents in motorsports, click here.
Physics in Action Day and Chemistry in Action Day
November saw our students head to the Emmanuel Centre in London for The Physics in Action Day and Chemistry in Action Day. This provided our Year 12 A Level students with a day full of inspiration, challenge and experimentation across the breadth of Physics and Chemistry. Students were inspired by talks on Planetary Science from Dr Emma Chapman, University of Nottingham and Nuclear and Quantum Physics from Dr Mark Lewney, Mathematician and Physicist. For the Chemistry students they got the opportunity to meet experienced scientists from academia and industry and heard the latest advancements in chemical research. A special session on examination success provided students with some handy hints and tips. Lots of notes were taken and thought-provoking discussions were had throughout both these days.
F1 in Schools competition
The F1 in schools competition offers a way to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in an exciting way. Our Year 13 science prefects and keen Lower School team have been busy sketching their designs for entry into this year’s
competition. Their designs started to become a reality towards the end of term as the students prototyped their aerodynamic designs by sculpting plasticine onto 3D-printed scale models of the ‘no go zone’. We look forward to seeing how their designs develop.
Lights out and away we go! ️
Science / Physics Club
Our budding Year 7 Physicists were ‘attracted’ to Physics Club this term, where they have been investigating magnets and magnetic fields with the practical task of making their own compasses. We are pleased to report that they all successfully found the Geographical North.
Science at the Year 6 Taster day
Maggot racing, Chemistry tests and hair-raising Physics experiments were all on the agenda at the Year 6 Taster day at the beginning of term. The visiting Year 6 students were invited to spend half a day getting to know the school, meeting our friendly and talented teachers whilst experiencing our wonderful facilities. The perfect introduction to life as a SWPS Year 7 student!