4th December 2017

Biology A-Level Science Live! Birmingham Town Hall, 7th February 2018

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Taking part in this trip would give students the opportunity to see and hear five of Britain's top scientists, all working at the cutting edge of their specialisms. The scientists are carefully chosen for their ability to communicate with students of this age in a direct and exciting way. The day will be fast-moving, exciting, thought-provoking and will give students the chance to raise issues with the scientists. In addition, A-Level examiners will provide top tips for exam success.

Talks are scheduled by the following scientists: • Professor Steve Jones - a leading research geneticist at University College London and a prolific author with many beautifully written books on evolution. • Dr Jenny Rohn - a cell biologist from University College London, author of two novels and founder of the website http://www.lablit.com/ • Prof Sophie Scott - a neuroscientist from University College London and Deputy Director of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. • Professor Adam Hart - Professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. • Dr Adam Rutherford - a geneticist who is Honorary Research Fellow at University College London. His books include the award-winning Creation and A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived.

The cost of the trip is £40.00 which includes entrance to the event and coach travel. Anyone who feels unable to meet the full cost at this point should contact the Bursar, Mr Locke ([email protected]), however if insufficient payments are made the trip will not be able to run. The closing date is Sunday 10th December 2017.

• The coach will depart Pate’s promptly at 8.45am and we should return at around 5.00pm. • All students must wear school uniform and bring a packed lunch and a drink.

If you would like your son or daughter to attend, please complete payment and consent on ‘School Gateway by, 10th December 2017 to secure a place. We have a limited number of tickets and this trip is always oversubscribed.

Please note; Students should be aware that this trip falls on a Wednesday Week B – as does the Brain Awareness Trip which was recently offered to students. Therefore, students should not sign up for this trip if they have already signed up for the Brain Awareness trip. If your son/daughter wishes to take part in the Science Live instead of the Brain Awareness Trip, please complete consent/payment for Science Live and email Mrs Harrison ([email protected]) who will arrange a refund for the Brain Awareness trip.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs L Roberts Head of Biology