The Charterhouse Science Christmas Lecture presented by guest speaker Dr Andrew Szydlo had a profound impact on Jasper (Year 12).
Tell us about yourself
My name is Jasper, and I have been at Charterhouse for 4 years. I am currently in Year 12 and a part of the house 'Duckites'. Among other subjects, I am studying Biology and Chemistry for my A-levels. My passion for science started when I first joined Charterhouse. Whether it was looking at the microscopy of Protoctista or observing neutralisation reactions, I became fascinated and knew that this was what I wanted to investigate further in the future.
What makes Science at Charterhouse special?
Science at Charterhouse is special because it is not just constricted by each subject's syllabus; it extends beyond this. The Science departments offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and competitions. Some examples include the Science Busking programme, Chemistry Olympiad and Cambridge Biology Challenge, all of which I have personally participated in. These opportunities have allowed me to pursue my interest in science further and are achievements that I am proud of.
Describe a single moment related to Science at Charterhouse which had a really positive impact on you.
At the end of Oration Quarter (Autumn Term) 2024, there was the annual Charterhouse Science Christmas Lecture. The School invited guest speaker Dr Andrew Szydlo to deliver his talk titled “As If By Magic”. I knew Dr Szydlo was a well-renowned scientist and was even included as one of the "175 Faces of Chemistry" by the Royal Society of Chemistry. I was instantly captivated by his enthusiasm and passion for the experiments he demonstrated, where he even spoke about the historical aspects of them. Following the talk, I got the chance to speak to Dr Szydlo, where he emphasised the importance of having the ability to communicate scientific ideas, which is a highly valuable skill to have nowadays. This was a piece of advice that has had a really positive impact on me.
What advice would you give to a pupil at Charterhouse who loves studying Science?
If you love studying Science, make the most of the facilities and opportunities that the Charterhouse Science department has to offer. The laboratories are well-equipped, and the teachers are willing to answer any burning or inquisitive questions. Keep up a good work ethic in lessons and always ask for any outside reading or research about a topic you may be interested in.
What advice would you give to a pupil at Charterhouse who finds Science challenging?
Science can be challenging for many pupils, but there is a network of help within the Science department. Each subject has its own drop-in session available to all pupils who require any help.
There are teachers and even peer mentors who are there to answer any challenging questions that pupils may have. Furthermore, the School’s Charternet website offers a wide range of help for each subject, including notes, flashcards, past paper questions and more. These are all well-prepared resources that all pupils have access to when finding science a little tricky.
