Newsletters

News from Mr Grady

Hello everyone.  Today is World Mental Health Day, and as the wellbeing and mental health of all our community is one of our priorities for the year, it seems an appropriate day to take time to pause and reflect on how we’re all doing. 

I don’t know about you, but taking the time to “check in with myself” is something I know I should do, but rarely make time for. 

Generally, I know when I need to take a bit of time for reflection when my wife points out that I’ve “not been for a run in a while.”  By which she means: “You’re being grumpy and need to think about what’s making you grumpy.”  And normally a run will sort it out – for me, getting out in the country lanes of my village, with no headphones, just myself, the sound of my laboured breathing and ever heavier foot fall is actually some of the most peaceful time I enjoy.  As I’m concentrating on my running it means I can allow all sorts of thoughts to potter through my head, but have no time to give them any weight. 

In essence I process any worries, anxieties, challenges, or plans while my body is concentrating on keeping me moving.

For some of us, there would be nothing worse than suggesting a run would be the best way of “checking in with yourself” but I would heartily recommend taking the time today, not just to take the time for yourself, but to plan where you’re going to find that time at least a couple of times a week, for pause and reflection, it might not be physical activity, it might be whilst reading, watching a TV programme, by taking time for a chat with friends or family, or it might be quiet time away from everyone in a quiet space.  Whatever your choice of “taking time” might be, our day-to-day lives can be such a rapid sequence of activity, that just taking the time to pause and think “how do I feel about this? Or that?” is actually very healthy indeed. 

Sometimes that’s just all we need: A bit of breathing space.

So please do take time on World Mental Health day to take a bit of time for yourself.  I can promise it will be time well spent!  Even thinking about it is making me reach for those running shoes…

Best wishes,

Mr Grady

Women’s Engineering Society At 100… And Aeroacoustics

Tuesday 26th November 2019
6pm refreshments, 6:30pm start
Rugby High School Longrood Road, Bilton
Rugby CV22 7RE
Free entry; open to all; no need to book  ...for more information

See the World with Physics!
XMaS Scientist Experience Trip

The XMaS Scientist Experience is a UK National Competition for female Year 12 Physics students to win an all expenses paid 4 day trip to Grenoble, France, to visit the ESRF, and experience what life might be like as an international research scientist. Cool, right? It really is.

Last year, the competition was launched and introduced to our Year 12 Physics class.  To enter, we each had to write a two page essay on the work and legacy of scientist Dorothy Hodgkin, the only British woman to win a Nobel Prize in Science.

I entered, and was overjoyed to receive a place on the trip. I was excited to visit the South of France and to see first hand the working of a internationally renowned research institution, and the ESRF did not disappoint.

The trip itself took place during the first week of July, and we spent two full days inside the ESRF, learning about the work done there, speaking to scientists and taking part in our own experiments. It was especially brilliant to sit and eat lunch with the scientist working at the ESRF and really get details about the work they do and how they got where they are from the school level. We also got to explore Grenoble, which is a really beautiful place, and had great food every night at different restaurants. Each year, 16 girls from across the country go on the trip and by the first night we were having Love Island viewing parties together!  I guarantee you will make friends instantly if you get a place on the trip.

Overall, the XMaS Scientist Experience was a immensely extraordinary opportunity and I would urge all Year 12 female physics students to apply for next year’s trip.

Details can be found online, and for this year’s competition, the essay topic is 'Jocelyn Bell Burnell: her contributions to science and her role in the advancement of women in STEM subjects' 

Good Luck to anyone who chooses to apply!

Maryam Fatima Year  13

Make a Global Difference – Think Personal

If we all individually changed one small thing about our life which reduced our carbon footprint, minimised waste or cut our use of single use plastic, collectively we could make a significant difference.

The Science department would like to hear a change you have made and the scientific facts behind it. Email your change to Mrs Weston. Every entry will receive a House Point and the best short paragraph each week will be put in the newsletter and each publication will receive 5 House Points.

Here is this week’s change. Could you do this too?

Macmillian Coffee Morning

The Science Department hosted the Macmillan coffee morning this year with a lovely collection of cakes on offer and a raffle running too. The total amount raised so far is £242.69 with text donations still to be added. Well done to Mr Koe on a fantastic job organising everything and thank you to all staff who baked, contributed raffle prizes and parted with their money on the day.

Miss Gospel, Head of Science.