Pupils at the Senior School celebrated Biology Week with a range of activities to immerse them in the wonders of the natural world and champion the value and importance of girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
They delved into various facets of biology, driven by curiosity, and aimed to inspire and promote a love of science.
A memory game set the tone for the week, challenging the recollection abilities of some of the brightest minds in the Sixth Form and Year 7. In a race against time, participants had just 30 seconds to remember a set of objects, and the victors, Lili from Year 13 and Sophia from Year 7, emerged as the champions. This engaging start paved the way for deeper exploration into the world of biology.
Pupils further immersed themselves by investigating the work of renowned biologists whose research was closely linked to the objects in the memory game. This exercise connected the dots between classroom knowledge and real-world applications, providing valuable context and inspiration for future scientists.
Venturing into the miniature world, pupils embarked on a 'moss safari.' Their mission? To uncover the microscopic invertebrates concealed within the moss. It was a fascinating journey as they encountered mites, flatworms, rotifers, amoebas, and gastrotrichs, discovering a world that often goes unnoticed but plays a significant role in the ecosystem.
A biology spelling bee saw a group of talented girls displayed their linguistic prowess. Congratulations to Khushie in Year 9, Katy in Year 8, and Tasha in Year 13, who proved their mettle and won the competition.
The grand finale of Biology Week featured a captivating talk by Rachel Owen, a distinguished figure in the field, serving as a clinical supply chain manager at Astra Zeneca. She shared her educational journey, career progression, passion for lifelong learning, and insights into the pharmaceutical industry.
Rachel's presentation provided students with a deeper understanding of the drug development process, the essential skills for budding biologists, the ethical considerations involved in clinical research, and the pharmaceutical industry's commitment to sustainable development goals.
Head of Biology Mrs Mahay said: "Rachel's journey is a testament to the boundless opportunities that the world of biology offers. Her story resonates with the values we aim to instill in our pupils – curiosity, dedication, and the belief that STEM fields are for everyone."
Biology Week at the Senior School wasn't merely an assortment of activities; it was a powerful testament to the transformative potential of STEM education.
