Stretching minds – The Franklin Society


T


his term has seen the inauguration of The Franklin Society, which brings students together to


discuss ideas, discoveries, developments and ethical issues in Biology. It is open to girls in Years 11-13.


The talk given on Monday 4th February, was rated ‘really enjoyable’ by Emma Storkey, Year 12. That evening’s topic explored by speaker Toria Hurel, also Year 12 -- was the importance of Vitamin D and the problems presented by its deficiency.


The talk provoked a lively and humorous conversation on the topic. The students were surprised by the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency today, when it has tended to be viewed as an ‘old-fashioned disease’. Deficiency of this vitamin, the girls learned, can lead to a variety of medical


complaints, including diabetes and heart disease. Students discussed the contradictory advice that is given out regarding exposure to the sun. Toria advised the students that the Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) of Vitamin D is 600 units.


Frankie Evelegh, Year 12, said the talk: ‘Madeusallthinkabout ourownhealthandtheimportanceofVitaminD.’


Head of Biology, Dr Deborah Shah-Smith explains the aims of the Society - which is named after the pioneer molecular biologist Rosalind Franklin(1920-1958) who contributed to the discovery of the structure of DNA: ‘The Society has been set up to help prepare the girls for life after Mayfield. By giving talks and taking part in debates the girls will become more confident when speaking in front of an audience. They will enhance their research skills and their ability to present information clearly and concisely. It is essential that we provide our students with not only a broad-based education that will enable them to gain the highest grades in exams, but, more importantly, help them to develop the skills they will need for further education and in their careers.’


Anna is Olympiad finalist


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Just the job! O


n Thursday 7th February, Mayfield held its inaugural Careers Information Evening.


Targeted at students in Years 11, 12 and 13, its purpose was to give the girls the opportunity to learn in depth about a wide range of career options. Experts in a variety of fields talked about their careers and the girls asked them questions. Each student had the opportunity to attend four presentations on subjects ranging from management and marketing to engineering; from financial services to law; from medicine to the oil industry – to name just a few. They were also able to approach other specialists in a more informal setting to ask them questions on a one-to-one basis. The expertise came almost entirely from the school’s parent base.


It has been set up to help prepare the girls for life after Mayfield...


‘It was a very exciting evening,’ says John Filkin, Head of Sixth Form, who, with Mayfield parent Sarah Gilliland and Careers Coordinator Jessica VanDriesen, organised the event. ‘There was a real buzz about the School as girls and their parents gathered in rooms all over the main school building to listen to the experts’ presentations. They then moved on to the next talk, enthusiastically discussing what they had just heard.’


nna Sozanska has been shortlisted for the final of the prestigious British Biology Olympiad, placing her among the top 16 biology students in the UK.


Anna, who is studying for A Levels in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and German and has an offer to read Medicine at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, beat 4,200 other students to reach the final of the British Biology Olympiad, taking place from Sunday 7th April to Wednesday 10th April at the University of Reading. The finals consist of three days of intensive practical tests in the University’s laboratories, as well as a demanding written examination.


•Anna Sozanska has reached the final of the British Biology Olympiad


Dr Deborah Shah-Smith, Head of Biology, says: ‘I am so pleased for Anna, she thoroughly deserves this achievement. Getting through to the finals is testament to her diligence and determination throughout the two years she has been at Mayfield.’


Celebrating winter sports T


This event is part of the school’s overarching careers programme which we continue to develop, and which includes, for example, a series of occasional career-specific presentations by experts; the chance for girls in various year-groups to explore career areas and opportunities through Life Skills, as well as future careers fairs and information evenings. We are always looking to develop our network of contacts in the world of work and would welcome any suggestions or offers of help, especially where there might be opportunities for individual girls or small groups to visit institutions or businesses to develop their understanding and broaden their experience.


he Winter Sports Celebration and Dinner took place on Wednesday March 13th. Ninety-six girls attended from the netball, hockey and swimming teams, as well as students of


dance. The event was to celebrate the success of the large number of girls involved in winter sports. There was a dinner (with a sports quiz) in the Cloister and then a presentation in The Hub of prizes and awards -- certificates for coaches and players, and most-improved awards (players’ player awards and colours will be awarded at the Sports Assembly).


‘The evening was a great success,’ says Teacher of PE Georgina Fletcher. ‘It was such a pleasure to see so many of our girls there, and it was great for them to see and hear about girls in other year-groups and how they performed this season. A huge part of the event’s success should be attributed to the girls themselves. Anna Stoughton and Bethan Longley, along with the rest of the Sports Council, played a huge part in setting up for the event and Olivia Cottrell produced an incredible photo presentation which included photographs from all sports and ages.


‘It was a great night. All years came together to celebrate some great achievements,’ says Lily Loveland, Hockey Captain. ‘Such a memorable end to my last year of sport at Mayfield.’


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