Heads Newsletter 11 March 2022

SCIENCE

Colourful chemistry and spectroscopy in a suitcase Leading up to British Science Week (11 - 20 March), on Monday 7 th March, students across Years 7 to 12 were treated to a series of talks by guest speaker Dr Peter Hoare, Chemistry Outreach Officer at Newcastle University. The day started with all of our Year 12 chemists being introduced to the principles of spectroscopy, building on previous content they had covered at the start of the year on mass spectrometry. Several brave volunteers then had a chance to carry out some spectroscopy themselves – all thanks to the state - of - the - art portable equipment provided by Dr Hoare and Newcastle University. Our Year 12 chemists left the lecture with a new insight into analytical chemistry, which they will build on later in the course as they practise the same skills they used with Dr Hoare.

Later in the day, Dr Hoare delivered two talks on ‘ Colourful Chemistry ’ to our lower school students across Years 7 to 10. In a series of exciting – and sometimes explosive! – demonstrations, Dr Hoare discussed all things colourful in the world of chemistry. Students were treated to every colour in the spectrum in a series of experiments that introduced pupils to chemicals that change colour when they are shaken, compounds that burn with a characteristically coloured flame, vigorous effervescence, and even a chemical sunset!

Vampirology - the latest topic of study for Year 13 Chemists

In their first lecture since their mock exams, our Year 13 Chemistry students were treated to a lecture on Vampirology by Dr Kathryn Harkup, a well - respected science communicator and author. It was wonderful to be back to some sense of normality, and have Kathryn deliver her talk in person; it was the first time our current Year 13 students experienced an external speaker outside of Google Meet. The chemistry of the body, and critical analysis of cinematic works were used to bust some of the most common vampire myths, such as the avoidance of sunlight, the lack of reflections, and of course the thirst for blood. The Vampire Diaries , Twilight , and Bram Stoker ’ s Dracula will never be quite the same again …!