Academic Excursions- UKC and London!

Date: Wednesday 25 November 2009

While most of the staff were waiting for the 'knock on the door' signifying the approach of an inspector, several colleagues managed to escape that prospect on Wednesday by leading a couple of expeditions - one locally, and the other all the way to London. Middle Fifth scientists spent the afternoon in a lecture theatre at the University of Kent, while all the Sixth Form biologists were whisked away to a conference in the capital.

The Sixth Formers' conference was typical of those put on by many subjects, offering six lectures by eminent specialists in their fields, on topics integral to A-level specifications. One of the conferees, Charlotte Reeves, was pleased to have been 'lectured to' by Robert Winston. Many thanks to Mrs Barnard and to Mr Clapp for leading the outing.

The Middle Fifths, augmented by Sixth Form scientists, travelled less far - along Giles Lane - for their afternoon exploring 'Cosmic Alchemy', based on the staggeringly beautiful concept that this planet, and those of us on it, are all 'made from stardust'! It was a difficult lecture for many, and it was pitched more at the A-level end of the spectrum - too many graphs, and not enough images? - but the lecturer paid tribute at the end to the level of concentration shown by our young scientists. Thanks to Miss Hummerstone and her colleagues for arranging the visit, and supporting the group.

Next term will see further conferences and lectures: the Lower Sixth historians will be, for example, going to sample a range of professional historians, to offer them further enlightenment on late Tsarist Russia, a key part of their AS level programme.