On Thursday, the U6^th Form Biologists and Psychologists headed to Millfield to take part in their annual Biology and Psychology Symposium. 

The pupils attended three Biology or Psychology lectures throughout the day, as well as three workshops. The lectures provided the pupils with thought-provoking information, such as, how we are conserving our UK seas, the ethics behind the Genomics Revolution, how antidepressants work and how electrical stimulation of the brain can improve speech fluency. The last Biology lecture of the day was a particular highlight from Professor Dame Frances Ashcroft, from Oxford University, who delivered a fascinating lecture about the importance of ion channels and how drugs, toxins and diseases can affect them. Professor Ashcroft also spoke about the life-changing research she has completed on discovering the importance of ion channels for a rare-form of diabetes and how she has helped young children lead a normal life as a result.

Alongside the lectures, the pupils attended a series of workshops ranging from lower-limb dissections to relaxation techniques. There were also several workshops about exam techniques that pupils found useful and reassuring. 

Overall, it was an invaluable day for pupils, getting them to experience what University learning will be like as well as hearing current scientific research that they can apply to their exams at the end of the year. Our thanks go to Millfield for organising and hosting such a beneficial event for our pupils.

Kate Flavell - Head of Biology