On 6th February, Year 9 academic scholars attended the Royal Institution of Chemists and participated in a workshop to extract their DNA. Using scientific equipment not normally encountered until degree level, the morning gave our pupils an insight into working with precision tools in a lab not to mention a better understanding of DNA, its composition and function. In the afternoon, front row tickets at the critically acclaimed production of Kyoto immersed the pupils in the topic of climate change as the build up to 1997's Kyoto agreement was dramatised in a gripping piece of theatre.
Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of tackling degree-level work and broadening their knowledge of climate politics. We asked them to summarise their experience:
'Beforehand I didn't know much about any of the politics surrounding climate change but Kyoto really explored the motivations behind different countries' actions or lack of action which showed the cracks in global community.'
'I loved learning about how powers that had been formerly overlooked or oppressed like Kiribati and Tansania had the strongest arguments against apathy towards climate change and how, at Kyoto, they were finally given a voice that was heard.'
'Plays like this, ones that reflect on history with differing aspects integrated into the plotline are really fascinating. It was also a pretty timely to watch something that places climate change and how selfish global superpowers can be at the forefront of all of our minds.'
'I loved the play - it showed how conflict is never as simple as it seems and making decisions in a room is only one part of a very long process.'
'The gene workshop was a, literally, unique and fun way into exploring DNA. I loved it. I learned several new things: how to use a micro-pipette, what DNA was and how to extract it from cells. The play was like nothing I had ever watched before - I loved the visuals such as the use of projectors and screens. It was an intense and relevant afternoon in which I learned so much!'
