Yr 12 Biologists visit the Institute of Education for `Science Day`

On Wednesday 25^th January, Tabasum, Aayushi and I were fortunate enough to visit the Institute of Education for some lectures and exhibitions on genetic diseases and cures. On arriving at Russell Square and seeing the magnificent building itself we knew immediately that we were about to have fantastic day.

The first lecture was at 10.30am, and consisted of Harvard University graduate, Dr Dan Kaganovich explaining about keeping cells healthy and neurodegenerative diseases. This was extremely interesting and we learnt about misfolded proteins causing many genetic diseases. This lecture was shortly followed by a series of short `films` about various vaccines, medicine and drugs which are currently being developed for specific illnesses.

After a short lunch break, another series of films was shown, followed by two lecturers; Dr Arbel Artzy-Shnirman explained about Smart Drugs and Adam Abramson MSc told us about his project – providing clean water in Zambia. There was then a short question and answer session which concluded the day.

Overall, it was a brilliant insight into the life of a typical university student and was exciting and informative to attend. All three of us were greatly inspired by these lectures and we hope to attend many more in the future.

Ambareen Syed (Year 12)



Should you be booking your place on a Summer School course?

Research carried out by the University of Bristol shows that students who attend summer schools are more likely to gain places at top UK universities.  The research identified the "Summer School effect", in which the 76% of students who went to summer school, then on to a top university, compares favourably with just over 55% of students with a similar academic and social background who did not attend a summer school.   For more information go to: www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jan/18/summer-school-chance-university-place%20

For more information about higher education tasters and summer schools 2012, go to: www.totalprofessions.com/school-student/parents/higher-education-tasters-and-summer-schools

Considering applying to Oxbridge?

As part of our Siena Society programme this term we welcome Dr Helen Swift from Oriel College, Oxford who will talk on Oxbridge admissions on 23rd February at 5pm. In the meantime any students considering applying to Oxbridge would be well advised to attend one of the following Oxford and Cambridge Student Conferences:

These conferences are designed to provide up-to-date information on the application and admissions procedure at both institutions as well as providing an insight into student life. The events are aimed at students who have already completed their GCSE/Standard Grade examinations and are now undertaking further study.

The conferences will cover:

• Courses available at Oxford and Cambridge
• Applying to Oxford and Cambridge
• Student life
• Student finance and careers
• Interviews

Admissions tutors, academic staff and current undergraduates from both universities will also be on hand to answer students’ questions. 

Date	Region/City	Venue
Monday 19 March	Leicester	Welford Road Stadium
Tuesday 20 March	Cardiff	Millennium Stadium
Wednesday 21 March	Greater London	Epsom Downs Racecourse (New Venue)
Thursday 22 March	Greater London	Epsom Downs Racecourse (New Venue)
Friday 23 March	Northern Ireland	Lagan Valley Island
Monday 26 March	North West	Haydock Park Racecourse
Tuesday 27 March	North West	Haydock Park Racecourse
Wednesday 28 March	Newcastle	St James’ Park (Sports Direct Arena)
Thursday 29 March	Edinburgh	Corn Exchange

For more information go to: www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/oxbridgeconference/index.html

Students report back from lecture at Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

On Thursday 8^th December, we went off to a Christmas lecture “I’m a Consultant…Get Me Out of Here” at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London. The lecture was extremely entertaining yet very useful as it explained the steps required to study Medicine at university. The lecturer also explained the process of becoming a specialist Registrar:

·         Medical school (4-6 years)

·         Foundation years (2 years)

·         Speciality training (7 years)

      ·    Once you are a Speciality Registrar then you can apply to be a Consultant.

During the talk, we learnt about the three types of birth deliveries which include: Normal (65%), Caesarean (25%) and Vacuum (10%). The lecture was very visual and we saw videos of surgeons carrying out Caesareans on patients with twins and suturing up complicated pregnancies. The speaker, Mr Kim Hinshaw also raised awareness of mortality rates of pregnant mothers across the world, and the figures were shocking; 1 in 8 mothers die while giving birth in undeveloped countries and when this figure was applied to this country, it would mean that 500 mothers would die a year in one hospital alone. The lecture ended with a question and answer session where we discussed teenage pregnancies and the risks involved as well the link between diabetes and pregnancy. The lecture has encouraged us to explore different fields of Medicine and raised our awareness of the healthcare situation round the world.  

Tabasum Aslam and Aayushi Shukla (both Year 12)

Sixth Form gain essential life saving skills with Red Cross

Monday afternoon’s General Studies was certainly a very dynamic and useful session for the Sixth Formers – we learnt, practised and performed essential First Aid treatments needed in emergencies. With the help of Simon Paddon from the British Red Cross, we practised CPR on dummies and placed each other in `recovery position` - all new but important life skills.

“It was such a fantastic was to spend an afternoon – we learnt extremely useful life skills.”

Megan Wheating

We also learnt the importance of prioritising when faced with various types of casualties – and realised that something as simple as a burn was actually very serious!

“I’ve learnt so many new things which I can confidently use in a real emergency if need be.”

Ambar Syed

Many thanks to Simon Paddon from the British Red Cross and Mr Pearson for arranging such a brilliant session.    

By Ambar Syed

Yr 12

Surrey University Admissions Tutor offers excellent UCAS advice to Yr 12

Holly Smith, an admissions tutor from Surrey University came on Monday to address the Yr12 students about the UCAS process. She explained the different types of university that exist: campus, city and split-site and painted a graphic picture of the multitude of universities there are in this country, highlighting the need for our students to think carefully about the location of the university of their choice. This complemented nicely the work we have done earlier this term looking at Course Search on the UCAS website which similarly illustrates the plethora of courses there are to choose from.
Next term Year 12 will begin the UCAS process in earnest, researching courses and universities in greater depth and beginning to think about the design of their Personal Statements.

St Catherine's Sixth Former becomes new face of Duke of Edinburgh's Awards

St Catherine's is very proud that one of its Sixth Formers, Simrin Grewall (pictured modelling a creation made in 45 minutes during our Sixth Form induction in September!), has been chosen to be the new face of the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards. Simrin is currently in Year 12, studying English, Geography, Psychology and Economics and only became involved  in the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards this term. Very rapidly she was appointed to the Gold Forum and judging by what she has written below, is clearly thriving on the challenge that D of E so uniquely provides. Here is a copy of the presentation Simrin made recently to the whole school:

The Gold Award Forum was introduced to me by Mrs. Sadler. Without her encouragement I would never have been elected. The selection process to be part of the forum consisted of a nomination, a letter explaining why you should be part of the forum and a one to one interview with the Head Director of Dof E. Amongst thousands that applied, I was fortunate enough to be chosen.

The Gold Award Forum is a group of 10 young people across London and our main role is to promote and encourage students to take part in the Dof E award. Our promotion reaches as far as the Middle East, which makes our job very challenging, but yet very rewarding!

Some activities include joining up with other Dof E participants from different countries, and find out what is similar and what is different about the scheme. Fund raising plays a major role in being part of the forum as our main objective is to gain the materials and equipment to expand the Dof E.

Being part of the forum means we work very closely with young people and I would love to promote St Catherine's as much as I can and get our name known within the award, as I know this will benefit us greatly. So any ideas about fund raising or ways of expanding the award will be strongly welcomed.

As most of you are aware I am the face of Dof E, this means that I will be in the brochures and on the website. I attended a photo shoot on Friday which was something different, getting my hair and make up done! Admittedly I felt quite cool standing in central Westminster posing and strutting my stuff along the embankment in bright clothing!

I am using the forum to contribute toward my Skill’s section, this means that I will be running the monthly meetings and being in charge of any events or speeches to other schools.

 I am also able to take some pupils to some of the events with me and the rest of the forum. These trips will include Buckingham Palace, The Bank of England, The Equality4U campaign which is a chance for young people to explore four key human rights issues and many other business conferences and I would love to take some of you with me, as it will be such a great experience.

For me, the most exciting trip of the forum is going to Egypt, the group will spend 10 days exploring and seeing the wonders of the country. The first two nights will be in Cairo, where we will meet another youth team taking part in the award and discussing any changes we feel they need to make in order to make it harder or easier. The following 3 days will be spent on the Nile deep sea diving. The last few days will be in Sharm el sheik which is our treat for all the hard work we have done over the year.

However, as you are all probably aware Egypt is currently unstable, so our second choice of destination is going to be Dubai to visit the business world which runs the United Arabs. Either one of the two residentials will be thrilling and definitely a new experience for me. 

Finally, I would like to thank St. Catherine's for giving me the opportunity and a great deal of encouragement to take part. Especially Ms. Sadler who has supported me the whole way and who has shared her knowledge and more evidently her enthusiasm for the award. 

Thank you

Simrin Grewall

Year 12