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News
Darwin anniversary prompts school students
to compare their dna with chimpanzees’
I
n November 1859 Charles Darwin laid the
foundations of modern evolutionary biology by
publishing his landmark work ‘On the Origin of
Species’. 150 years later, post-16 biology students
are conducting their own experiments to
investigate human evolution by extracting their
own DNA and seeing how it compares with
that of chimpanzees.
Nowgen, Manchester’s leading centre for
genetics in healthcare, is giving school students an
opportunity to take part in specialist laboratory
workshops with the help of experts from The
University of Manchester and the Central
Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation
Trust. Over 1,500 students will take part in a total
of 75 workshops at the Nowgen Centre between
now and July 2010.
Supported by the Wellcome Trust, the fascinating
workshops are part of the ‘Survival Rivals’ project,
celebrating Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and
150 years since the publication of ‘On the Origin
of Species’.
The one-day workshops are called ‘A Question of
Taste: Using PCR to investigate human evolution’
and explore the variation in our ability to taste a
particular bitter flavour, and whether this gives us
Students investigate human evolution and compare their DNA with chimpanzees’
any evolutionary advantage. education keeps pace with what’s happening in the potential careers in bioscience.”
Students work with their own DNA, using fast-moving world of genetics research. These Nowgen is a not-for-profit organisation that
cutting-edge techniques to find out how their own latest practical workshops allow students to get works closely with teachers and education
genes impact upon their ability to taste the bitter hands-on experience, applying what they learn in professionals to ensure that genetics is integrated
flavour. Using DNA sequence information from the school and exploring some of the social and ethical into everyday teaching and learning. This is achieved
internet, they then go on to ask the same questions issues associated with genetics. through delivering workshops, teacher training and
for chimpanzees. “It is exciting to invite the students into our curriculum development.
Dr Leah Holmes is the project manager laboratory at the Nowgen Centre, as we can
responsible for organising and running the provide an insight into a genetics research
workshops at Nowgen. “Our extensive programme environment; whilst at the same time
trianglertwww.nowgen.org.uk
of events for schools ensures that genetics broaden students’ knowledge about trianglert0161 276 8979
Headteachers are great
Protecting staff and
leaders say parents
students against
armed attack
H
eadteachers are among the country’s best national New Heads’ Conference. Hosted by Teachers and managers from across the country are invited to
leaders, according to a new poll of the National College, the conference is attend ‘Protecting Staff and Students Against Armed Attack’
parents commissioned by the National expected to attract up to 400 newly at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Monday 18th
College for Leadership of Schools and appointed headteachers. January.
Children’s Services. Toby Salt, deputy chief executive of the Over the last 10 years, nearly 400 students and staff
Local headteachers scored highly in the National College, believes the poll reflects worldwide have lost their lives to armed intruders. Speakers
independent Ipsos MORI poll of nearly 500 parents’ confidence in the professionalism at the conference, who have all experienced the devastation
parents across England, with 29 per cent saying of headteachers and respect for their an armed intruder can cause, will be offering practical advice
they provide the best example of leadership, important role. on how to protect staff and students in the event of attack.
rated almost as highly as officers in the armed “School leaders are right up there, pipped Speakers include Alistair Sinclair, Emergency Planning
forces who topped the poll at 31 per cent. only by armed forces officers serving in places Consultant, who will be sharing his experiences of the
The school leaders are also head and such as Afghanistan and Iraq, as the best Dunblane tragedy.
shoulders above the other professions examples of leadership in today’s society, far If you would like to book a place at the conference, please
surveyed, with police officers ranking third at and above our other leaders.” contact Sue Fairman by emailing
sfairman@aylesbury.ac.uk or
19 per cent and doctors fourth at 15 per cent. He added: “I think coming just below those call 01296 780286.
They are followed by councillors/local elected brave service men and women is a major The delegate fee is £360 +
government officials (10 per cent) and sports tribute to the current generation of school VAT per person and there is
coaches/managers (10 per cent). leaders and makes clear how much we 10% discount on bookings of
Local employers/ business people and depend on them." 5 or more. Places are limited
ministers of religion were ranked the lowest so early booking is advisable.
with 9 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.
trianglertclaire.haworth@nationalcollege.org.uk
The findings come on the eve of the trianglert0115 872 3825
trianglertsfairman@aylesbury.ac.uk
trianglert01296 780286
10
Visit NEC at the BETT Show
Stand E90
December 2009
Grand Hall Olympia, 13-16 January 2010
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