The Royal Society’s Biology Week 2015 saw Oundle pupils participating in Senior and Junior Scott Soc talks, alongside quizzes, and competitions taking place during lessons. New this year was a whole school photography competition, for which pupils from across the School sent in their nature and wildlife photographs, and there were prizes for each age group.
The overall winner, and winner of the Third and Fourth Form group, was Oscar Salvesen (Ldr), for his photo titled ‘Predator in the Garden’.
The Science Essay Prize, now in its third year, has seen a year-on-year rise in high quality submissions. This year saw a diverse range of essay titles, from ‘Aquatic Ape Hypothesis’ by Charles Shelley (S) to ‘An introduction to graphene and its possible applications’ by Andrea Veronese (C). There was also plenty of interest in quantum physics - Dr Brian Cox would be proud.
All of the essays were read by Mr Peck and Dr Bessent, before a shortlist of two was agreed for each age group. Mr Peck and Mr Evans then judged the shortlisted entries and eventually decided on four winners. The winners all combined excellent communication skills with detailed understanding of the scientific material:
First and Second Form: Charlie Dickinson (L) – ‘Will the world run out of food or will burgers save the day?’
Third Form: Evan Ball (G) – ‘Is time travel possible?’
Fourth and Fifth Form: Rebecca Siddall (L) – ‘The fabric of reality’
Sixth Form: Isaac Uwins (G) – ‘Can we ever cure Alzheimer's Disease?’