On Friday 2nd May William Perkin celebrated Founders Day. All students in Years 7 to 10 spent the day moving around a selection of science based talks, activities and workshops based on the theme of “All the Small Things”. The theme incorporated activities featuring microbiology, nanotechnology, neuroscience, entomology, forensic science, atomic chemistry, bacteria and ecology.
KS3 started the day with a Keynote speech from Dr Rebecca Jeffery from Oxford University who presented a talk entitled “All the Small Things in our Gut” focussing on her area of research on the gut microbiome. The KS4 keynote speech was presented by Professor Ray Owens, also from Oxford University, he spoke about “What Llamas and Sharks Have in Common” focussing on immunology. The talk was so inspiring it prompted Devina in Year 9 to write:
“Having Professor Ray Owens from the Rosalind Franklin Institute visit our school was a truly remarkable experience—one that I will remember as the best day I’ve had at William Perkin so far.
Professor Owens’ talk on Nanobodies was very fascinating.
What stood out most to me was how Professor Owens, a scientist of national recognition, took the time to share his work with us so clearly and passionately. It was motivating to see real-world science being applied to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. I left the talk feeling inspired to pursue science further (and hopefully get into triple science)”
Other highlights of the day included “Snot, Sick & Scabs” a workshop from Centre of the Cell at Queen Mary’s University and a visit from Animals UK who brought a chameleon, a skunk, a tarantula, a tortoise and a “little owl” with them for students to handle and study. We also had a very interactive talk from Professor Hal Sosabowski on “Science and the Law” drawing on one of his many specialisms, forensic science. Other presenters came from a range of universities and organisations including the University of West London, Imperial College, London School of Health & Tropical Medicine, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, Synthoma, Harbour Energy, the Canals & Rivers Trust.
Special mention goes to Nancy Shehata, one of our own alumni, who returned to WP from Kingston University to talk about her studies in automotive engineering including her work on the “Formula Student” team designing a racing car.
The big finale was an explosive show from the Royal Institution in the PC which was a spectacular addition to the day. We were also privileged to have a visit from James Murray MP who posted online to “congratulate the school for organising such an excellent day”.
Founders Day 2025
