The last few weeks of the Summer Term were very busy in the Science Department, with field trips, competitions and more.
Here we round up all of the students' hard work and celebrate what they've achieved.
On Tuesday 25th June, LC1 enjoyed a very hot and sunny day exploring Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Students were treated to sights of many species such as giraffe, rhino, otters and red pandas. They learnt all about the adaptations of different species, as well as the different threats that these animals may face in the wild and how parks such as this can help through breeding programmes.
Mrs Glover, Teacher of Biology
Huge congratulations to Maddy in SFC1, who entered the European Society for Human Genetics DNA Day Essay and Video Contest in April .
The names of all the winners were announced in front of approximately 5000 international scientists and doctors attending the European Human Genetics Conference in June 2024 in Berlin. Maddy earned 2nd Place for her video on the ‘Vanishing Y Chromosome’.
She was awarded 300 Euros for herself and 800 Euros for the Biology department. Thank you Maddy and well done.
Mrs Williams, Teacher of Biology
On Friday 28th June, SFC1 enjoyed an afternoon at Cotswold Farm Park.
Students had an informative talk from the park's livestock manager where they learnt all about sustainable agricultural methods such as regenerative farming, companion cropping and hedgerow planting in order to maintain biodiversity.
Students had some free time and enjoyed bottle feeding lambs and goats, and exploring the park.
Mrs Glover, Teacher of Biology
With the end of year exams fading in their memories, over 50 LC3 and UC4 students sat down in Lower Hall for a final time to compete in the second CLC Chemistry Olympiad.
The LC3 students answered questions on esters, the metal molybdenum, rechargeable batteries and making ethanol. UC4s tackled topics as diverse as chlorine in swimming pools, the Wittig reaction and the hole in the ozone layer.
Rather than just using their current chemistry skills, which were definitely on show, the students also had to assimilate new ideas, recognise and apply patterns and employ a range of maths skills.
Aside from the chemistry, all the students showed softer skills like resilience, resourcefulness and problemsolving. Many of the students achieved a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate which were awarded during College’s Cups and Awards ceremony.
A special mention to Mary who achieved the top mark in LC3 and a Gold certificate.
In UC4, Sissi and Leeya both scored 95% on their test and as a result, the chemistry department had to mint a new Platinum certificate to reward their unique achievement!
Well done to all who competed in CLC Chemistry Olympiad 2024.
Dr Starkey, Teacher of Chemistry
The Science Challenge is the Royal College of Science Union's annual science communication competition.
It gives young scientists the opportunity to develop the skills to talk about science in a way that is engaging and fun to people who don’t necessarily have a science background. The competition involves producing a short piece of science communication and is open to students from Year 10 to Year 13.
Jenny (UC4) decided to create a video entry and she was delighted to discover her entry had been shortlisted. She attended the Awards Ceremony at Imperial College London on Friday 21st June.
“My video was about the rise of artificial intelligence and how it is one of, if not the most, important discovery humanity has ever created. I am well aware of the fact that many of you have heard a lot on the topic as AI is everywhere and inevitable - on our phones, in our school and at home - so this is why I chose the topic. I am extremely grateful to RCSU, Imperial College, CLC and my Chemistry teacher Dr Evans for this opportunity. I have definitely enjoyed the process of creating the video.”
Jenny was presented with a Certificate of Excellence at the Awards Ceremony and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Dr Evans, Teacher of Chemistry
