Head's Newsletter 18 March 2016

VISITING SPEAKER

presentations socio- economic impacts of El Nino; the geopolitics of water security in Egypt; and the changing nature of hotspot theory. These projects were the result of months of independent research and analysis; a process that the students found very constructive and very good preparation for university. The audience was highly engaged by the presentations and rewarded the students with very positive feedback. included: the

After Lord Winston’s and Dr Nick Lane’s fascinating lectures earlier this academic year, our latest scientific guest speaker was just as anticipated. Professor Steve Jones, a world renowned geneticist and popular science author, gave a talk to a group of sixth form students on the balance between nature and nurture. He discussed how intimate the interaction between our genes and environment are, and how heritability depends on both these factors. His talk was highly accessible even to those not studying biology, yet still involved thought-provoking science. He also kept us all very entertained with his humour throughout the talk. We appreciate the time he took to speak to us, and I’m sure all those who attended learnt a huge amount from his wise words. Professor Jones is pictured below with Patrick Rennie, Assistant Head and Head of Faculty of Science and Ahmed Alhussni, a Deputy Head Boy, who invited the Professor.

VISIT TO CLARE COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE

On Monday 7 th March fifteen Classicists attended a lecture on Ancient Democracy given by the eminent historian, Professor Paul Cartledge of Clare College, Cambridge. The students found the talk most enlightening and were very animated in discussing the issues raised upon their return to school. Moreover, the Professor seemed to be impressed by our boys' knowledge and enthusiasm. Thank you to Alex Games for organising this event and giving the boys the opportunity to experience academia at its finest.

VISIT TO ROYAL HOLLOWAY On Thursday 25 th February, ten students from Year 13 presented their geography extended projects to academics and university students at Royal Holloway, University of London. The three