S T E M Clarion MAY 2017

Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

Dear Parents/Carers,

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2nd edition of the STEM Clarion after its launch last year. The aim is to give you a small flavour of the tremendous work going on in STEM areas at Claremont. As I mentioned last year, STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has been recognised by the government as absolutely essential in training up the next generation of recruits for the highly lucrative and ever expanding science and technology industries in the UK.

This year at Claremont we have been focussing on STEM applications in the creative industries - from animation to computer game design and 3D technology. STEM doesn't have to involve working in a laboratory anymore, as the articles in this edition show. We have also successfully launched Computing as a subject (to replace the more broad ICT) across Years 7-9. This has proved to be very popular with many students relishing the chance to learn programming and coding. I hope you enjoy finding out about all of this in the pages to come!

M. SHAH Assistant Headteacher T&L/STEM Lead

From STEM to STEAM

Sixty Year 10 Art and Design and Technology students had the rare opportunity of meeting a BAFTA nominated animator last term. Paul Donnellon visited the school to talk about the links between creative industries and technology - putting the A into STE(A)M! The students were inspired by what is possible when technology and creativity come together. Students were able to watch several animations from Paul's website: Voodoodog.com; and they learnt about the painstaking process of how a simple advert can take months to make. Paul was equally impressed by what he saw when he took a tour of the Art department and he will hopefully come back to work with our keenest students in the future.

Look how many of the highest earning courses require a STEM degree! Ask your teachers if you want to know what is involved

with any of these degree courses.

Twenty Year 11s took part in a fascinating workshop at the Wellcome Institute last term with the theme

of "Faster, Smarter, Stronger". The visit started with a tour of the galleries where students saw how medical ideas have taken different forms in different cultures and countries. The afternoon involved looking at the scientific method - trying to prove the idea that performance improves with practice. The students thoroughly enjoyed the day, with many being inspired to consider taking A-Level Biology next year.

Numeracy NINJAS Years 7,8 and 9 have been doing a new exciting project in form-times aimed at raising their mental maths skills. Pupils are challenged to complete 30 questions in 5 minutes and are awarded different ninja belts, depending on how many questions they get right.

If you'd like to try it at home go to numeracyninjas.org; See what belt you would get by trying the one below!

What’s your NINJA Score?

MENTAL STRATEGIES

TIMESTABLES

KEY SKILLS

NINJA Total Score What do Year 8 think of the new Computing Course?

What do you like about computer science? JAMAL 8.9

I like that you can see how computers are made and how to fix it if there is ever a problem. I like to know

how to do certain things on line, like being able to prevent viruses. If the publisher is unknown and you do

not know about the source then you know a download has certain risks and may not be safe.

My favourite topic was python programming. It was fun learning how to code games and calculate stuff.

Why are you taking computer science in Year 9? KARISHMA 8.9

To see how computers are made how they are coded. To learn more about coding so I could create a

game or other software. My favourite topic was python programming, it helped me to learn about coding

so I can make my own games. I want to take computer science for GCSE because it is fun.

Biology Challenge 2017

First name Award First name Award

Daniel Silver- best in school Kerstin Commended

Jinthushan Silver Kaiden Commended

Rameeyah Silver Shivani Commended

Holly Silver Abdullah Commended

Amee Silver Vichen Commended

Kajal Bronze Altina Commended

Darius Bronze Saiya Commended

Aadya Bronze Ali Commended

Octavia-Raajal Bronze Roshan Commended

Tanaz Bronze Tiyanie Commended

Suraya Bronze Prisha Commended

Roshni Bronze Safa Commended

Vedanshi Bronze Nischal Commended

Kiran Bronze Laaeba Commended

Suraj Bronze Ilze Commended

Rohan Highly commended Gabriel Commended

Naiya Highly commended Mahezan Commended

Minoran Highly commended Leshan Commended

Rithek Highly commended David Commended

Yusuf Highly commended Alex Commended

Armel Highly commended Jane Commended

Jaykishan Pradip Highly commended Daanyal Commended

Alin Highly commended Hiren Commended

Diviyah Commended

After a small-scale pilot last year, all of our Year 10 Triple Scientists were offered the chance to take part in the Biology Challenge at the end of March. This online race against the clock was based on students’ understanding of Biology both within and beyond the curriculum, including knowledge of the natural world.

We are delighted to announce the success of the following students. Bronze and Silver winners will receive certificates from the Society, and all students who participated are eligible for a free year’s membership to the Bionet online community - ask your teacher for details.

Thanks again to Mr Bakali, Ms Thaker and Mr Osman for their help in organising the competition at Claremont.

Dr Egan

Medical Society

I have been so privileged to have Dr YNicolaou, having attained a degree In Medicine, mentoring me through My Launch of the Claremont High School Medical Society in November 2016, initially for Year 11 students but now open to all Upper School students. We initially began by learning the basic procedures of First Aid and tending to minor injuries, a definite requirement for someone wanting to study Medicine. This was an approach we took when tailoring our sessions to make sure they were relevant. We ended the term with an exclusive Medical Society Affiliated trip to the Wellcome Institute, Euston. Taking part in an entire study day titled ‘Faster, Smarter, Stronger’, learning about the advancements possible in the human brain capabilities and also what it was like to work in and be cured by Medicine dating back to techniques that were tried and tested centuries back, giving us a real insight into how fortunate we are with the modern medicine that surrounds us. We had a debate on the ethics of Genetic Modification as this is at the centre of life in the NHS. Each session was followed by a thorough analysis of what went well and how we could improve in order to get this project running to lift off from the ground. With a lot of preparation over the December holidays we re-launched. Initially facing teething problems, with rooms too big and topics too complicated, we found the right balance and from February until now we have had an absolutely brilliant time with a variety of presentations and seminar style sessions. Here are some occasions to take note of: - The Human Brain Part 1 - The Human Brain Part 2 - Role Play of First Aid - Debating ethics surrounding abortion - Dealing with Radioactive substance. Nirav Malde, Year 11

A visit from a First Year Medicine

Student with Q & A

The Head Girl and Boy led sessions for applying to Medicine and Dentistry respectively. Another trip we were privileged to be a part of was the Brent and Harrow Medical day, which I have written about in a previous article. Finally, I am so appreciative of all the support I have received this year and for the pupils I have bonded with across the school. In advance I would like to invite my buddy Medical students from Year 9 as we officially welcome them in September, as well as working on an NHS Medical scheme – OPTIMA - in cooperation with Dr Sujan. September 2017 is set to be VERY EXCITING!!!

My Work Experience with THALES

In the summer of 2016 I had a one-week work experience with the company Thales, which I was introduced to through our school. But, first of all, who are Thales? Well Thales is a multinational billion-dollar company that designs and builds electrical systems and provides services all across the board, from Aerospace, Defense, Transportation and Security. Located in over 50 countries, evidence of their work can be located all around us in the U.K, from the trains we use to the satellites that orbit space. This was the first work experience Thales had hosted, which comprised of two groups of 12 students from the whole of the U.K. - the first being in London (12) and the second in Manchester (12) - so I cannot re-iterate the wonderful opportunity I had. The whole week included workshops, outings and a real life insight to London’s Ground transportation services (which was our main focus) and contributing to our group projects on Level Crossing. Our team "Telford" designed and pitched a working Level Crossing project to our client. This included constructing the level crossing demonstration, coding the program (using an Arduino circuit board), completing the groups bill list, and finally a circuit diagram.

Additionally, the coding workshop we did also consisted of circuit building, which aided my overall knowledge of technology and to my relief made the process a lot easier than it would have been without. Throughout the week my knowledge of level crossings and the ground transportation system in general has skyrocketed. The process of how hardware and software, combined with design and creativity, produces the functioning society we live in today. Before I did this work experience with Thales I was completely oblivious to all the engineering and design that we use every day, leading me to now question myself as to how machines and devices work, which inspires me to expand my knowledge to make everyday life more efficient and safe. To conclude, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed my work experience over the summer with Thales, which not only included the topic of science but a combination of Business, Mathematics and Engineering, and I hope more people from Claremont will do so in the future.

Vanessa Han (11.4)

Interview with Ekta Shah in Year 13 who has received an offer to study Chemistry at Oxford this year

1. How did you find the Oxford interview experience?

It was great! I was really glad I got to experience it first-hand. I had so many preconceived ideas about what it would be like, a lot of which were wrong.

2. Why did you decide to apply to Oxford?

I applied because several teachers told me to and I thought it would be an interesting experience, I didn't want to look back and regret not trying.

3. How did you prepare for the interview? Did you get any help from anyone at

Claremont?

Mr Burns was my reference writer and my biggest cheerleader. He has supported me from day one and helped me overcome doubts time and time again; I truly could not have done it without him! Mr Burns had set up several interview sessions for us with various organisations and they were incredibly useful - they even gave advice on what to read about and how to prepare further. I also had several mock interviews with Mr Shah, this helped me develop my communication skills and I found these really useful to identify misconceptions.

4. What advice would you give to students thinking of applying to Oxbridge in the future?

Do it! There's really not much to lose and it isn't as daunting and abstract as you might think.

Science Lectures for KS4 and KS5 Pupils & Teachers

Summer Term 2017 9th June The Chemistry of the Periodic Table Dr Jeremy Cockcroft of Elements - a demonstration lecture UCL Department of Chemistry

16th June How Biology and Physics can help Professor Bonnie Wallace - Design new Pharmaceuticals to treat pain Institute of Structural Crystallography, Birkbeck College University of London 23rd June Engineering Structures: Design and Calculations Dr John Eyre UCL Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering

30th June What is a Quantum Computer? Dr Dan Browne UCL Department of Physics & Astronomy

7th July Introduction to Astronomy and our place in the universe Dr Sarah Hutton, The Henrietta Barnett School, London

Lectures are held on Fridays at 6.30 pm in the Massey Lecture Theatre, UCL, and last around one hour followed by a maximum of half-an-hour discussion.

5th as well as 6th Formers are welcome. Students need not be accompanied by teachers. Parking facilities for school buses are available.

CONTACT: Dr S. Kadifachi, UCL Science Centre Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT

Tel: 020 76793497 (direct) Admin 020 7679 7144 Fax: 020 7679 7145 email s.kadifachi@ycl.ac.uk

Free Admission – no booking required

HOSPITALITY AND CATERING YEAR 11 FINAL EVENT

As part of their final project, Year 11 students were asked to plan and make a two-course meal for two guests. The menu needed to include

a starter, a main course and two accompaniments. The dishes chosen by the students were both creative and challenging to make.

The students worked tirelessly throughout their exam and presented their work to a very high standard. This component of the coursework

is worth 60% of the final grade. Each of the students involved pulled out all the stops and produced some magnificent meals.

The overall percentage of A8 to C grades for coursework were :

A-A* : 29% B : 57% C : 14%

Well done to all Year 11 Catering students!

A warm hello to all the Parents, Carers and Staff,

We trust that you are all well and looking forward to the last exciting half-term of the school year. Some great end of year activities are planned, including:

(1) 5th and 6th July - Lower School Musical; (2) 17th July - Claremont Annual Charities Day; and (3) 18th July - Sports Day We, the PSU, are intending to organise a BBQ for the pupils and staff at the Charities Day and to provide the snacks and refreshments

on Sports Day, so all hands on deck please - the more the merrier! All profits will be spent on purchasing various additional equipment,

for use by the pupils in different departments in the school. Any parent or sibling who can help on either day can contact us by

text, email or Whatsapp, (on 07802 898967 or email address - totos786@yahoo.co.uk).

Charities Day is a great annual event when the pupils run stalls in their form groups to raise money for different charities chosen by

them. Some of our parents work for banks, building societies and other financial institutions who provide fund-matching for such

events. If you can obtain fund matching from your employer, thereby helping us to raise more, please contact us on the above email

address or phone number.

Wishing you all a restful half term break,

The PSU (Claremont Parent Staff Unite)

Ms B. GODEFFROY

PRODUCT DESIGN

Keval Dodhia Yvonne Han

Over the last year the GCSE Product Design students have been working on completing their final major project which equates to 60% of their final grade. All Product Design students have been working extremely hard to design, prototype and manufacture a range of fantastic products. For another year running they have managed to produce an incredible array of professional and very well made final products. I would like to congratulate all product design students on their hard work, effort and success this year and to wish them the best of luck in their final exams. A special mention to Yvonne Han who has managed to secure an A* for her coursework, along with Zak Elahi and Keval Dodhia who have both achieved A grades in their coursework. Well done. Among the other 14 students in the class, nine of these have managed to achieve B grades in their coursework, which is a fantastic achievement. Overall 88% of the class have achieved A*- C with 41% of students managing to exceed their Fischer target. Well done everybody, a fantastic achievement.

Rushil Patel

Mayca Minichino

Dilakshiga Pushparajah

Product Design – Class of 2017

Mr W. KELLY

Dr Dusza’s Amazing Science Activities

Science Club

The Science Club was one of the very few things I attended since joining more than two years ago, and for good reason. Every week we would have a scientific experiment, or get to test some new equipment, or perhaps make something cool happen. From the dramatic pyromania to the simple use of electronics our endeavours may have sometimes been frustrating, long, or simply unsuccessful, but they were never a waste of our time. Quite simply, we all felt part of a community working together to reach an end goal, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that was somewhere around 100 hours spent, but it was very much worth it!"

Henry Caushi Year 11

Cambridge University Trip

On the 3rd of November we went to the University of Cambridge.

It has the same old, proud structure as Oxford and, like its

counterpart, has a proud heritage. At Cambridge we had the

enlightening opportunity to hear several speeches related to life

at the University, a bit more about universities in general and,

perhaps most importantly, what to think about when getting into a

good institution. We also had two major lectures, one on the

history of physics and optics and the other on building

images using different EM waves to detect, for instance, a

solar flare. We also had a practical activity that was based

on adjusting the position of lenses and a mirror to produce a

telescope. The lectures and experiment were very interesting

and we had the opportunity to learn how to think in a similar way

to university students on solving various problems."

Henry Caushi Year 11

Building Bridges Project

On the 19th April Form 7.7 went on a trip to the Science

Museum, which is part of the Building Bridges Project. All the

students split into two groups and took part in two activities

related to maths in science and great inventions. Additionally,

students had an opportunity to talk to a scientist who makes

models for fluids behaviour used in aircrafts, spaceships and

weathercasts.

Dr Dusza has led an incredible number of enrichment activities for Claremont Students this year. These are just some of the activities that he

has organised. Thank you Dr Dusza!

Meet the new STEM staff at Claremont this year!

Ms Nuzhat - Maths Degree Subject: Mathematics  What are your favourite parts of STEM:

Use of manipulatives for active learning - (I have used dice and counters for probability,  round cups, boxes etc. for circumference and area of circles).

Another excellent use of Maths was the Maths Challenge during Deep Learning Day when students applied their mathematical skills to conduct stock market business.  

Something interesting about your past: My whole professional life has been dedicated to enable children to fulfil their potential, whether it is in education or any other field, like marketable skills.  I am a career-changer. I worked with non-governmental organisations in developing countries; one of the key programs was informal education. I then worked in the financial sector, in the largest microfinance bank of Pakistan. And now, working in the formal education sector.  What is the best thing about working at Claremont: Diversity, equality, respect for all. Excellent maths department. Student's love for learning, and many more.

Mr Osman - Science Degree Subject:  Bsc Biomedical Science and MSc in Molecular Medicine  My favourite part of STEM  is Genetics and Immunology  Something interesting about my past: I used to be good at long-distance running What is the best thing about working at Claremont:  Diversity, well behaved pupils and knowledgable colleagues.

Mr Nicolaou - Science Degree Subject:  BSc. in Medical Sciences with Medical Physics and Bionegineering MB, BS Medicine My favourite part of STEM  is medical physics - how we can use physics to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. Something interesting about my past: I once completed a beginner's course in Japanese and got an A! What is the best thing about working at Claremont: The diversity among pupils and staff and the 'can-do' attitude which students develop throughout their time here. Contd……..

UCL Science Lectures

Lectures on Fridays after school at 18:30 allow students to get an

understanding of Science outside of their GCSE curriculum courses.

These lectures enable students to gain knowledge on key concepts

of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are not studied at school.

Despite being above GCSE level, experienced lecturers ensure that

everyone with a sufficient scientific knowledge will understand.

These lectures cover a range of topics from all three science topics

and mainly include theories and concepts about quantum physics,

space and life. They can also help by giving you further

understanding on scientific ideas that you may not grasp and this

can possibly be applied on your A level and GCSE course for higher

level students. Rohan Chotai Year 10

The Royal Institution Conference

The Introduction to Rocket Science at The Royal Institution

was a new experience for me. I came to this conference not

knowing much about rocket science or the industry behind it

but, at the end of the day, I came out with a huge interest in

this field of work. It was interesting to find out the process in

which scientists and engineers go through in order to launch

their rockets into space and I also have an idea about how

much hard work really goes into the final product. At the end of

the conference I had the chance to meet American astronaut,

Cady Coleman, who gave a talk about her experiences of life

in outer space and in the international space station. I strongly

recommend anyone who is interested in space travel,

astronomy or just STEM subjects in general to attend the next

conference. Luca Khatri Year 10

Ms Chikvaidze - Maths Degree Subject: 1st degree: BSc in Physics with major in Biophysics 2nd: MSc in Engineering with major in Bioinformatics 3rd: PhD in Natural Sciences and Mathematics with major in Computational Biophysics What are your favourite parts of STEM: Due to my interdisciplinary background my favourite part of STEM is Computational Biophysics. I am fascinated about different ways in which we could employ subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Computing and, most importantly, Mathematics  to study something as intrinsically complicated as the biological molecules and diseases associated with them. Scientists today are able to predict structure and function of disease causing molecules, design and develop drugs targeting those molecules and even minimise some of their side-effects, without having to conduct an actual experiment. It makes you wonder that if drugs can be made and diseases cured using mathematical modelling and computer simulations, what is the role of the experimental biology? What is the significance of different modelling assumptions and how do they affect the calculations in a particular problem? And could pharmaceutical chemists ever be replaced by computers? Something interesting about your past: As a secondary school pupil back in my home country Georgia, I was not very good at Maths to start with but through hard work and deliberate practice I mastered this difficult subject and ended up obtaining the highest academic degree in it. I have been fortunate enough to study at the world’s best universities without having to pay the fees and with scholarships to cover my living expenses, despite being born and brought up in a developing country. Maths has taught me a thing or two about the importance of perseverance and, through teaching this fascinating subject, I am devoted to give it all back. What is the best thing about working at Claremont: The best thing about working at Claremont is being surrounded by staff and students who are happy to be here. I was made to feel very welcome from the minute I joined and the support from my colleagues has been phenomenal in helping me settle in and feel like a part of a family in such a short space of time.

Ms Winsala - Computing Degree Subject:  BSc Zoology, MSc Information Technology . I embarked on a Biological Science degree after requesting a change from Chemistry. However, learning Basic and Fortran during a summer holiday whilst still an undergraduate kindled my interest in Computing and Information Systems What are your favourite parts of STEM: Systems Analysis (SSADM) and Object Orientation Analysis and Design (OOAD) Something interesting about your past: In the past I have been a Children’s Party Entertainer. I have met some of the old cast members

of EastEnders at media functions and travelled on the same flight with Chucky Venn from EastEnders/Casualty. I completed some

paramilitary training with soldiers when I took a year off after my first degree. What is the best thing about working at Claremont: The staff and pupils

Mr Sisulu - Head of Computing Degree Subject: Chemistry BSc from University of Glasgow What are your favourite parts of STEM? I love all of the STEM subjects! My degree is in Chemistry where I enjoyed using Gel Chromatography and HPLC to isolate compounds extracted from a rare tropical plant - to check for drugs that could cure cancer.  It’s amazing how much Maths you need in a Chemistry degree. I found it very useful, especially in topics such as X-Ray Crystallography.    Obviously I love Computer Science! My interest started when I was very young (8 years old) and I used to program my ZX80 (with 1Kb of RAM!!!).  I could not take Computer Science at school as it was not a common GCSE at the time.   Something Interesting from your past: Once I graduated from Uni, I had the opportunity to become a School Chemistry technician.  After a while the school needed help with its old BBC B Micro computers so I changed careers and became an IT Technician.  Once PCs came along I helped migrate the school to a Windows NT PC Network.  I then became a Network Manager and moved to several different schools and organisations in my career.  Twelve years ago I decided to go into teaching and I recently started Claremont as Head of Department. What is the best thing about working at Claremont:  I love the way that students in this school enjoy their education and are well supported by the very talented staff.

Amazing science lessons!

At Claremont there are a variety of topics in science from Biology to Chemistry and Physics. In biology I have learnt about life and everything relating to it, from habitats and ecosystems to muscles and bones. Chemistry was perhaps the best subject: lots of practicals. From mixing acids with alkali to neutralize them, to chemically changing iron and sulphur to create iron sulphate, this was always one of my favourite lessons because I enjoy learning about substances and their reaction and these made me excited for science. Physics, from energy, sound to atoms, taught me a lot about what the universe is made of and its forces. My desire to learn more has made science overall one of my top-ranking subjects! The amazing thing about science is that it gives a detailed description of our human life, animals and even plant life. There are seven types of science and all of them are spectacular. The amazing science teachers perform a really important job in teaching all of these talented students and making them achieve the level that suits them, so all of the teachers act like professors and encourage us to be excellent. Science helps me to understand how our amazing body was structured, to learning how to mix acids and the cure for a bee sting. All of this stuff teaches us the importance of biology, chemistry and physics. Science relies on testing ideas with evidence gathered from the natural world and science can lead to technological advances, as well as helping us learn about enormously important and useful topics, such as our health, the

environment, and natural hazards. Yousif El-Shammari and Tudor Lazor

Mail on Android

There were four rounds – a Shuttle round, a cross-number, a relay

round and a group round. During these rounds students’ mathematical

knowledge was stretched and challenged. The students realised the

challenge with the first round the Shuttle scoring 43 out of 60.

However that did not dishearten spirits as they moved on to the

cross number and went to score scoring an impressive 57 marks out

of a possible 60. The Claremont quartet worked hard in the next two

rounds and, most importantly, enjoyed the day.

Overall Claremont finished in 7th position out of a possible 28 schools.

Mr Patel (Maths Teacher)

Example Questions:

Find the value of 25 + 26 + 27+ 28+ 29+ 210 =

All of the odd integers from 1 to 999 inclusive are added up.

What is the total?

T. McCarty

Important Dates: 29th May – 2nd June HALF-TERM

Tuesday 22nd June New Year 11 Parents’ Evening

5th & 6th July Lower School Musical

Monday 17th July Charity day

Tuesday 18th July Sports Day

Wednesday 19th July Presentation Day – Last Day of Term for students

Monday 4th September TERM STARTS (Non-Pupil Day)

5th/6th September New Year 7 Induction & Year 12 Registration

Thursday 7th September Years 7 to 11 and Year 13 Return to School

A team of four Year 8 and Year 9 students competed in

the UK Maths Trust (UKMT) Team Challenge Regional

Final 2017. The students selected were Jonathan

Pereira (9.9), Joshua McPhillips-Loughrey (9.2),

Nizaankan Thayaparan (8.4) and Kavita Modha (8.8).

The regional event was held at Preston Manor High

School on Thursday 24th March and was a whole-day

event competing against a wide range of schools.

DUAL SCIENCE

Coursework grades

GRADES CORE

CA % ADDITIONAL CA %

A* 12 20

A*-A 44 37

A*-B 74 69

A*-C 87 88

Hans Woyda Competition:

Claremont High School entered the Hans Woyda competition once again. However, this year was the closest we came to qualifying from the group stage, despite having our most difficult group in the last five years.

We were drawn against North London Collegiate School, Royal Grammar School and Watford Grammar School for Girls. Claremont were victorious against NLC in the first round, were close to beating Royal Grammar in the second and performed admirably against Watford Grammar in the last.

Congratulations to Jayshiv Patel (9.6), Jonathan Pereira (9.9), Henry Caushi (11.5), Ashael Case-Smith (6.1), Jude Bright-Davies (6.6) and Anita Krawczyk (6.5) who took part for Claremont. We will also be saying goodbye to Jude and Anita as they leave Claremont for University. They have been part of the Claremont Hans Woyda team for most of their time at Claremont and will be missed greatly in future competitions.

T. McCarty

Year 11 were given an opportunity to thank their teachers before study

leave with Praise on Postcards!

Here is a selection of them for Science teachers – it has been lovely to see the varied ways

that students have chosen to say thank-you to members of staff.

STEM TRIP: By Piya Deliwala 8.3

Thursday 17th November was the day we went to Alperton School to do some activities based on (STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. We went there by bus. Soon after our arrival we were given some lovely refreshments before the course began. After a couple of minutes we were put into colour-coordinated groups so we could cover the activities in a rota, which was a very good idea. We first learnt about Animal Anatomy and were surprised to hear how even animals can suffer from the same kind of health conditions as us humans for example, Arthritis. We were then given the opportunity to talk to a scientist and ask lots of questions. I think we had gave him a big headache as we had so many to ask him! He then explained how he had achieved his degree and explained what he does in the lab. Once we had our lunch in the cafeteria, we learnt how to make slime using Borax, Pva glue, water and food colouring. This was not only very messy but very interesting. In the next activity we were put inside a black inflated dome with a projector inside, to show us what the planets and some of the galaxies look like up close. This was fascinating and was the highlight of the trip for me. Having finished the final activity, we made our way to the bus stop to return to Claremont, from where we were dismissed. Overall, it was an interesting and different day away from Claremont and gave me the chance to learn and experience many new things.