GCSE Science Live!

Year 11 Separate Science students attended the GCSE Science Live! event at the Bridgewater Hall. We were treated to front row seats to hear from inspirational scientists across a variety of specialisms.

Professor Jim Al Khalili explored the possibilities of time travel, teaching us about black holes, wormholes and the effect that gravity has on time.

Dr Kate Lancaster discussed the possibilities of building stars on earth to solve the world’s energy crisis with nuclear fusion.

Professor Robert Winston enthralled us with his talk on fertility and reproduction, sharing with us some extraordinary images and footage that he had collected of ovulation, fertilisation and early embryo development.

Professor Gilly Forrester shared her research in evolutionary psychology, looking at nasal dips in temperature as a way to measure stress responses in humans and chimpanzees. She got our very own Dr Watson up onto the stage where he performed an extraordinary interpretive dance to twinkle twinkle little star whilst she measured his facial temperatures with an infrared camera. What a true Westholmian he is!

Dr Tim Gabriel wrapped up the day with a very insightful talk about his career as a Chemist, highlighting the various opportunities and directions available to those with degrees in Sciences.

We also had sessions run by a chief examiner who shared study tips with the students and talked them through the importance of command words in exam questions and gave us many useful hints and tips for developing exam technique.