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Science
It has been a busy and exciting year in the Science Department, with a wide range of trips, competitions and clubs enriching our students’ experiences beyond their day-to-day lessons. From dissections and bridge-building to national competitions and university visits, our students have had countless opportunities to succeed and explore science in action.
KS3 Science
Clubs and Enrichment
Year 7 and 8 students had a diverse array of lunchtime clubs. In the Autumn Term, Mrs Hillier’s biology modelling club used air-dry clay to create 3D versions of cells, digestive systems and flowers. Ms Mohabeer followed with a popular six-week “Witchcraft and Wizardry” session, where students brewed potions and cast magical spells. In the Spring Term, Dr Spinks ran a forensic science club, helping students solve the “music room murder” with fingerprinting and analysis. During the Summer Term, Mr Daw led students in engineering challenges – designing bridges, helicopters and building strong structures.
The ever-popular Anatomy Club, running every term, involved dissections of eyes, hearts, mice, frogs, rats and pig brains. Meanwhile, Year 9 students attended the CREST Awards club after school on Thursdays. This year, Scarlett C, Maya S and Mariia S earned bronze awards for creating bath bombs, while Zeruchi B, Hero K, Violet L and Alizeh M gained their bronze awards for exploring animation history and building a flip-book machine.
Trips and Visits
In Spring, Year 7s visited the Royal Institution’s Young Scientist Centre for a cosmetic chemistry workshop, crafting bath bombs and lip balms while learning about neutralisation and solubility.
In June, twelve Year 9 students joined the North London STEM Challenge Day at Middlesex University. Activities ranged from forensics and diagnostics to robotics. Sophia E and Emma were on the winning team and will represent North London in a regional final.
Year 9s and 10s also attended a fascinating lecture by consultant eye surgeon Mr Jacobs, who discussed conditions caused by UV exposure and diabetes, and demonstrated eye surgeries through video.
Competitions
KS3 students achieved notable success in several competitions. Year 7s and 8s took part in an online Physics quiz with questions tailored to local science history — did you know a famous electricity pioneer is buried in Highgate Cemetery?
Aria B in Year 7 won the regional RSC “Chemistry Around Us” poster competition for her excellent explanation of candle combustion.
In the national “Step into the NHS” competition, Delphi M and Penelope B were crowned London regional winners for their musical entry about drama therapists, while Lili, Amelia, Dahlia and Amandine earned Highly Commended awards.
KS4 Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Clubs
Year 10 students joined Marine Biology Club (or “Fish Club”) to explore careers in marine science, veterinary work and biology. They learned about tropical fish care, aquarium biology and even designed a new club badge.
Competitions
Year 10 students impressed in the Physics Summer Poster Competition, with entries covering biographies, news stories and key physics concepts. In the Biology Challenge, students completed online papers testing their knowledge beyond the curriculum. Special congratulations go to Evangelina U, Isabella N, Emma F, Isabella M, Minnie M, Vittoria D, Rebecca R and Emily G for earning awards.
As part of their study of microbes, all Year 10s entered the MiSAC competition, which drew entries from 105 schools. We are proud that Ella C was commended for creativity in the KS4 group with her entry on fungal diseases and drug resistance.
Our RSC Top of the Bench team – Lucy D and Yasmin L (Year 9), Leila A (Year 10) and Elika D (Year 11) – represented Channing in the Middlesex heat, answering six rounds of chemistry questions under pressure. Their discussion spanned everything from flame tests to the Great Smog of London.
During Channing STEM Week, students entered the British Science Week UCL “Clean Air” poster competition, designing innovations to improve air quality. Year 10 students Evangelina U, Isabella N and Taryn S received bronze CREST awards for their hard work. Particular congratulations go to Saira C, Ella C, Pavi G and Sophie B, also in Year 10, who won the national Senior 2 category — their work now appears on the BSW website!
In May, all Year 10 students participated in the National Scientific Thinking Challenge. Twenty students earned bronze awards (top 40% nationally) and fifteen earned silver (top 25%). Huge congratulations to Ella C, Freya L, Imogen B, Vittoria D and Yeva M who achieved gold, placing them in the top 10% nationally.
KS5 Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Clubs
Sixth Form students met weekly for Science Journal Club, reading and debating New Scientist articles. Aspiring medics also attended regular medical discussion groups led by Ms Wilberforce.
Trips and Visits
In September, Year 12 biologists visited the Field Studies Centre at Epping Forest to investigate pond biodiversity. They planned and carried out fieldwork, collecting data to calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index and practising key A-level practical skills.
In May, Year 12 Chemistry students visited Sacred Distillery on Highgate Hill, where they saw vacuum distillation in action and learned about vapour pressure, flavour chemistry and stereoisomers. Thank you to Ian Hart and Hilary Whitney for hosting an engaging session.
Later that month, Year 12 STEM students returned to the Royal Institution for a colour chemistry workshop. They experimented with dyes on fabrics and used colorimetry to determine concentrations, then enjoyed a talk on skeletal muscle research by PhD student Maira Cordelle. The day concluded with thrilling fiery demonstrations.
Competitions
Taking part in Sixth Form science competitions requires courage and advanced knowledge, and our students rose to the challenge.
In January, five Year 12 chemists – Natasha H, Mei-Xing L, Phoenix M, Eva S and Catherine S – entered the UK Chemistry Olympiad. Natasha H received a bronze award for her efforts.
In February, a Channing team travelled to Cambridge for the Chemistry Race. They tackled complex problems requiring knowledge beyond the syllabus in a high-energy, timed competition. It was a great learning experience and students found it exhilarating.
In June, twelve Year 12 students entered the Schools’ Analyst Competition, assuming the role of chemists evaluating soil from a proposed housing site. They analysed samples and considered how to safely redevelop the land. Congratulations to Liv C, Elise C, Mei-Xing L, Natasha H, Hana D, Tanvee S, Eva S, Alanna F, Lottie S, Yining Z, Orla M and Catherine S for their teamwork and analytical skills.
Also in June, ten students (Catherine S, Yining Z, Eva S, Natasha H, Hana D, Elise C, Tanvee S, Liv C, Mei-Xing L, Orla O and Alanna F) took on the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (C3L6), which stretches students with university-level questions. Results are due later this summer — we have high hopes!
Final Thoughts
This year, Channing students have embraced science in all its forms – from solving crimes to tackling climate issues, from eye surgery to aquatics. They’ve demonstrated creativity, critical thinking and courage throughout, supported by our fantastic teaching staff. We would like to express special thanks and best wishes to Ms Fung, who retires this year after 26 years of dedicated teaching at Channing; she will be much missed.
Dr Spinks
Head of Science
