Wychwood School in Oxford hosted a Youth Chemistry Conference which involved girls sharing innovative ideas on how to tackle climate change.
The independent all-girls school opened the event to public and state schools on Thursday to encourage pupils to embrace science education.
More than 100 pupils attended the all-day event with guests from Oxford High School, Pipers Corner School, Magdalen College School, Matthew Arnold School, Bartholomew School, Kings Education and The Oratory School.
The Years 10 to 13 pupils were treated to inspirational talks by Professor Susannah Speller and Dr Clara Barker from the Materials Science Department at Oxford University, Dr Lauren Baker from Oxford Botanical Gardens and Jane Breach from renewable energy company Drax. They were joined by members of staff in Wychwood’s science department.
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The pupils developed their scientific knowledge and were given the opportunity to experience being experts by communicating scientific ideas with each other via academic talks, papers and posters, which are then published as the conference proceedings.
This was Wychwood’s second annual chemistry event which aims to bring Oxfordshire pupils together and provide them with a platform to communicate their scientific skills, knowledge and understanding.
Andrea Johnson, headmistress at Wychwood, said: “It was inspiring to see so many pupils embrace our conference and share so many thoughtful insights. They are our scientific experts of the future and it’s important we give them the platform to practise engaging with audiences now.”
Abigail Stacey, head of chemistry at Wychwood, added: “This was an opportunity to showcase excellence in science communication and all students rose to the challenge.”
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Simon Tyrrell, director at Wychwood, said: “The Oxford to Cambridge Arc is at the forefront of science and tech and our Youth Chemistry Conference has proved to be an effective way to empower young people to become leaders in the sector. Our thanks go to our adult and student guest speakers and their teachers, who inspired, encouraged and helped them to where they are today.
“Our thanks go to all our speakers, adult and student, and their teachers who inspired, encouraged and helped get them to where they are today.”
Established in 1897, Wychwood School, Oxford, is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18. It is a member of the Girls’ Schools Association. Plans for next year’s Medical Chemical Conference are already under way with Wychwood aiming to invite every secondary school and sixth form college in Oxfordshire. For more visit admissions@wychwoodschool.org.
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