On Friday 18th October, Year 12 biologists embarked on an exciting trip to Longleat Safari Park. Our visit to Longleat was aimed to deepen our understanding of conservation efforts and prepare us for learning about the upcoming biodiversity topic on our A Level course. 
 
The conference that we attended was split up into 2 sessions. Session 1 covered how zoos and wildlife parks collaborate in breeding programs to ensure genetic diversity and the long-term survival of species that are at risk of extinction. The conference also covered rhino IVF, focusing on the northern white rhino, which is functionally extinct. 

The main reason for Remembrance Day is the opportunity it gives us to acknowledge and appreciate the people, men and women, in the armed forces, as well as civilians, whose lives were taken as a result of conflict.  We endeavour this year, as we have done every year, to remember those who have served our country, our way of life, our ideals and values and in that service have sacrificed their lives and families to give that service.

To celebrate the amazing world of biosciences, the Biology Department put together a full schedule of activities to coincide with National Biology Week 2024. This year, our aim was to get as many students involved as possible and to embrace our enthusiasm for the subject. From crafting origami brain hats to DNA sweet bracelets, Spelling Bee (Biolobee) and brain dissections, there was plenty to choose from! 

The National Heart and Lung Institute and the British Heart Foundation’s Centre of Research Excellence at Imperial College London offers the Annual "Science in Medicine School Teams Prize" to engage sixth form school students in the UK with science in medicine.

This year, four collaborating Year 13 teams from Kendrick took on the challenge of research and presenting an innovative idea for tackling a medical issue from one of the categories outlined below. Students were required to stretch beyond the school curriculum, think outside the bubble of traditional biomedical fields, and learn about the excitement of research. They considered how trends in science and engineering will impact on health and medicine in the future as well as understand the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and teamwork to effective research and development of improvements in public and individual health. They had to consider the importance of affordability, availability and acceptability in translating inventions towards a reduction in inequality-related poor health outcomes. Finally, students had to appreciate the importance of effective communication in rolling out scientific developments, with an emphasis on art and design.

During the first week of October, I was informed that I had achieved a place as a harpist in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain!  Across the country there are only four places available for the harp, so I’m delighted to have got a place. The audition process was long and tough. It involved preparing two contrasting solo pieces and performing orchestral excerpts set by the tutors on the audition panel. However, it was a fantastic process to go through as it helps to build resilience and strength. 

We are delighted that Kendrick School has been awarded the Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award at Gold level. The Sutton Trust is an educational charity in the United Kingdom which aims to improve social mobility and address educational disadvantages. The top Gold level is awarded to schools who have made significant changes to their admissions policies to ensure that there is fair access to all pupils, regardless of socio-economic background.