L’Oréal Young Scientist Workshop on Forensics

Last Friday, a group of excited Year 9 and 10 Science scholars made their way to the Royal Institute in London to take part in the L’Oréal Young Scientist workshop on Forensics. The workshop was run by expert scientists and allowed students to use advanced technology outside of the normal school curriculum, as well as experience the working world of a forensic scientist.

The girls were tasked with the solving of a murder mystery case with five potential suspects. The girls began the workshop by suggesting possible motives, with many already having an inkling of the criminal before any of the forensic work had begun! The forensic work consisted of the girls analysis suspect DNA and comparing this to DNA evidence found on the murder weapon. All pupils carried out the process of gel electrophoresis, using equipment such as micropipettes and restriction enzymes that are usually only first used at university. The scientists that ran the workshop were particularly impressed by the technical skills and attention to detail that our girls displayed.

The visit also coincided with the International Day of the Girl. This was the focus of a news report by London Live who explored the theme of women in STEM and our girls were chosen to be interviewed about their thoughts on this.

Both myself and Miss Baptist were especially proud of our girls, not only did they demonstrate accurate practical skills when completing new and technically challenging processes, but also gave insightful and reflective comments in response to interview questions. The quote of the day must be by aspiring medic, Maddy Cascurini “We are always encouraged to follow whatever we want to do, no matter what gender we are”. This must surely be the mantra for all Croydon High Students.

Watch the short news report on London Live

Mrs Abi Kugathas