Refurbished Old Hall Hosts Science Talks

An evening of scientific talks took place to a packed audience in Oakham School’s newly refurbished Old Hall, as part of Upper School’s series of Torch Lectures.

All of the speakers were Form 7 Science pupils, who presented on a variety of topics to a packed audience of their peers from Forms 6 and 7.

Presiding over the evening was Dr Andrew Nicol, Teacher of Biology and Chair of Oakham School’s Biology Society.

Zadie spoke authoritatively on vasovagal syncope, followed by a moving talk given by Ethan describing his work with dementia patients at a local care home. Edward eloquently delivered an extensively researched talk on the physiology of stress.

Kiril bravely tackled the philosophical paradigm known as the anthropic principle before, in a very clearly delivered talk, Stanley outlined the chemistry of aromatic compounds and their applications.

After a short break, Dr Patricia Ingles, Head of Biology, continued the meeting by enthusiastically reviewing two very contrasting books: Last Chance to See (Carwardine) and The Epigenetics Revolution (Carey).

The final talk by Head of Chemistry Jo Griffiths was about the chemical components of chocolate and the smell sensations they evoke. Mrs Griffiths went around the room with samples of the many potent-smelling constituent compounds,.

The evening was concluded with a social at The Odd House.

Speaking about the event, Dr Andrew Nicol said: “Bio Soc was founded many years ago by the late Dr John Cheverton and he would have been proud of the very high standard of the presentations and the attentive but warm atmosphere among the pupils who participated. Well done all.”