During this British Science Week, our exploration delved into a plethora of captivating experiments, yet two left an indelible mark: the pinhole camera and the spectacle of elephant toothpaste.

The genesis of our pinhole camera creation was intertwined with our journey through the waves of physics, synchronising seamlessly with the overarching theme of British Science Week 2024 - 'Time'. This thematic homage to temporal progression provided a fitting backdrop as we delved into the mechanics of the pinhole camera. Within its simplistic yet profound design lies a testament to the immutable laws of physics, showcasing the timeless interplay of light and optics. As we captured the essence of our world within the confines of a diminutive box, it served as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles that underpin modern marvels such as the digital camera.

Meanwhile, the spectacle of elephant toothpaste served as a captivating demonstration of chemical kinetics, as the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalysed by potassium iodide or yeast unfolded before our eyes. This mesmerising reaction, contingent upon the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, provided a tangible link to our understanding of enzymatic catalysis in biological systems. Through this experiential foray, we were reminded of the interdisciplinary tapestry that defines the realm of scientific enquiry, transcending traditional departmental boundaries to encompass a kaleidoscope of disciplines.

In essence, the juxtaposition of these experiments encapsulated the multifaceted nature of scientific exploration, weaving together strands of physics, chemistry, and biology into a cohesive narrative. As we reflect on the revelations gleaned during British Science Week, it becomes abundantly clear that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds, transcending the constraints of time and space to illuminate the wondrous tapestry of our universe.

Furthermore, the mellifluous laughter that danced in the air, intertwining with the palpable sense of awe that permeated the hearts of all present, served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of scientific discovery on the human spirit.

Shanmitha Yeruva [8Y]

The NatWest trip was such a great experience and I enjoyed it a lot. Starting the day, we arrived by coach and were greeted warmly by the employees at NatWest. We were given these funny red hats which made the experience feel much more unique. After some refreshments, we played some icebreakers in which we had to draw our partner and pass around that paper which resulted in goofy pictures of us. We hung those drawings on a board. Then we proceeded to go to a different room where we heard the stories of many influential, inspiring women. The stories were all about hard work and how it is working in a male-dominated sector/workplace and doing the course. They also told us how they ended up in their positions of power, such as being the leads of many teams. It was an enjoyable time and we also had time to ask many questions.

After a break, in the afternoon, we were talked to about projects and managers and what it means to do this type of job. After that, we had a lot of Lego which we had to use to make as many projects as we could in short amounts of time, within groups, that would suit an area for athletes. At the end, awards were given to different challenges each group accomplished, while making the projects of Lego infrastructure. Our Year 10 group won the award for our problem-solving skills, which was quite fun. Overall, this trip was such an informative, yet really fun and enjoyable experience that helped me gain insight into different careers. 

Aparna Bisht [10G]

I enjoyed my trip to NatWest as the workers were very welcoming and friendly. I think it was really helpful to me career wise, to help get a look at what life is really like after secondary school; it was really informative for me and hearing the female workers' stories inspired me and helped me understand what it’s like for women in a male-dominated workplace. I had a lot of fun, especially when we were making Lego and had to build a city. Overall, I had a really great time and made some nice memories and also got to know a lot of people better. Hopefully, other people in different schools will also get the same opportunity I did as it really helps build confidence, work on communication skills and become closer with others.  

Nusayba Kasmi [10O]

I found this trip very fascinating; I believe it was a great experience for me and the younger students. It allowed me to hear the stories of different women in tech and their journeys and how they got to where they are. I now understand sectors and areas in tech. This trip also allowed me to interact and communicate with younger students by playing different games, which also helped with my teamwork and leadership skills. Overall, this trip gave me the opportunity to discover more about women in tech and broadened my career options.  

Salma Mohamud [12D]

The trip was very informative and a useful experience as it allowed me to explore my interest in technology in further detail. As well as that, I was influenced by the speakers who shared that their journey to tech was not easy and the hurdles they had to face as women in that industry. This experience was a fun, bonding experience with my friends as well as an educational one, as I learnt that there are many different fields within the tech space, meaning you do not need just be good at IT, but also other skills. 

Hafsa Moalim [12H]

On 15 March, Romario and Mannie from the Brentford Football Club held a workshop with 20 students from Year 8. The aim of the workshop was to develop positive relationships and was targeted towards students who could benefit from improving their behaviour in and out of school.

The workshop started with an icebreaker where we had to say our names with an action, and repeated everyone else’s name with their action. I realised it was a task to get to know each other in a fun way.

Another fun activity was the truth and lies, a game of saying two truths about ourselves and one lie and the others had to guess the lie. It was a good way of observing ways in which people talk when they are telling the truth or lying. It was also a good activity in developing our communication skills.

We discussed our role models and who we would like to be like and hopefully, that would help create a positive atmosphere in school. My favourite task was the START and STOP activity. We each had to reflect and say what negative we would like to stop and what positive difference we would want to start.    

Overall, I enjoyed the workshop and have learnt a few things as to how I can make a positive contribution in and out of school.

Haseena Sekandary [8B]

We have waited patiently for the delivery of our new minibus for 974 days! A record setting amount of time in anyone’s books.  There have been three Prime Ministers, three Foreign Secretaries, four Home Secretaries and three Chancellors have been appointed during this time, not forgetting a new monarch.

The minibus will mean that students can get to their sports fixtures and trips easily and its inaugural outing on Saturday to the Wimbledon Magistrates Court resulted in our Year 9 students winning the regional trophy.  Long may it continue! 

Congratulations to our Premises and Facilities Manager for the procurement of this jewel in our crown.

Going to Shakespeare’s Globe to watch the modern adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was extremely interesting. Watching the play in the way they would have done in the Shakespearean era, with some schools standing up, others sitting in the dome and the absence of the roof really contributed to the otherworldly environment. It was interesting to see the Capulet and Montague families armed with knives, rather than swords, travelling across the stage on bicycles and electric scooters. The play overall was thrilling and the little present-day tweaks made it unique and intriguing.

Anneka Chumber [9G]

I really enjoyed watching ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in the theatre because, whilst I was reading the play, I was imagining it in my head and it was completely different to watching it in the theatre. Even though it was different, it was amazing. I had no idea what was coming next, which is ironic because I’ve read the full play. All the actors seemed very in sync and connected. Every time there was a tense moment, I could feel it. Even though the play was modernised, it still presented patriarchy and old-fashioned attitudes towards love and women extremely well. For example, when Juliet refused to marry Paris. There were also instances when the actors interacted with the audience, which was funny, but it also intrigued me as it allowed me to see the characters as actual people in a sad predicament and to put myself in their shoes.

Luna Augusto Velasco [9W]

Airbus Degree Apprenticeship Success

Thanks to the unwavering support from my teachers and friends, I was able to receive an offer for the Level 6 Digital Technology and Solutions Degree Apprenticeships at Airbus at Filton.

When applying for university, I decided to review all the alternative options I had post-18 and opted for a degree apprenticeship. This decision was driven by the prospect of having a full-time job to kickstart my career as a software engineer without incurring debt.

After applying for over 25 degree apprenticeships, I finally "landed" a face-to-face interview with the Airbus recruitment team. Throughout this process, I received significant support from my excellent teachers and friends, such as Mr. Naqvi and Iman, who helped me prepare with mock interviews. Mr. Naqvi even went as far as inviting alumni who had also pursued degree apprenticeships to provide assistance and share their personal experiences. 

Zaccheus Soares [13E]