work experience in August to consider a career in this area.’ Jack McHaffie, Year 12 Insight visit to Sky Academy Technology Day, June 2016 Much thought is stimulated about the wider scope of any subject or its application, helping to equip boys and develop informed decision making. ‘Being on the ward, observing the ward round and speaking with patients improved my communication skills and observing how a consultant clearly and objectively presented the risks and benefits of an operation to an anxious patient cemented the view about the importance of communication skills in the profession.’ Adam Sheriff, Year 13 Work placement at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, summer 2016 Boys frequently think about and comment on the use of technologies in any given area: ‘I was taught how to use Google SketchUp, a programme widely used in fundamental cases like forming ideas. It was great fun. That changed my idea about this occupation. For example, sketches that are regularly seen in magazines require a combination of 3D modelling and linear drawing skills. As an international student I was pleased to find people from all around the world gathering and working in a single office. I am really looking forward to working in a place like this after graduation.’ Michael Xu, Year 13, work placement at PDP London, May 2016 SECTOR NETWORKING Throughout the year, events are arranged to promote thinking amongst a particular group. This term a Chemistry networking event was requested by a member of the Chemistry department and the Careers department invited 20 guests, all with (or undertaking) post-graduate Chemistry qualifications and now working in a related area or one that benefits from staff with analytical thinking and a scientific approach to problem solving. The boys were trained, prior to the event, to research the specialities of the guests and to know how best to
The Chemistry networking event, held in the James Caird Hall.
utilise the event. Finally, all came together for an evening of informal discussion and were joined by pupils from The Charter School and JAGS. Minds were stretched beyond the curriculum during the dozens of conversations and these comments give a flavour of the thinking that was promoted: ‘Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your Chemistry networking event. It was a very enjoyable evening and great to see the students so passionate and enthusiastic about the future.’ Dr Samantha Atkinson, Deputy Director BP Commission MHRA ‘Chemistry opens the door to many well- paid and fulfilling careers – a far wider range of careers than you might expect. Because chemistry is the central science, and because chemists think analytically and approach problems scientifically, they are in demand across management, finance, media and the law, as well as in more expected places such as the pharmaceutical industry, environmental protection and research labs. A chemistry qualification throws the door open to rich and exciting careers all over the world.’ Sir John Holman, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, writing an introduction to the College’s Chemistry networking event ‘I would be curious to see again my career profiling of some years back. As I mentioned to Careers staff this evening, back then I didn’t put much stock in it, but thinking back, I have ended up doing something very near the top of the list – albeit by a somewhat roundabout route.’ Andrew Pugsley, Old Alleynian guest who studied Chemistry and is now a Captain in the Royal Marines
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