CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
It was no routine Monday morning when our Year 13 Physics students set off by train on a journey to the Department of Biochemistry at Cambridge University. They participated in a hands-on workshop exploring avant-garde technologies that use algae to generate electricity, ...including Bio Photovoltaic (BPV) cells and plant Bio Electrochemical Systems (plant-BES).
Students began by the workshop assembling their own BPV kits, bringing together a range of components while developing valuable engineering skills. Working as scientists, each group had to determine the concentration of algae in water that allowed sufficient light to be absorbed to maximise electrical output. Once the optimum concentration was established, each team measured current-voltage properties and competed in a challenge to make the BPV kit with highest electrical power. It was a fantastic opportunity to take scientific skills that we regularly develop in school and apply them in a real world research environment where controlling every variable is far more challenging.
The final highlight of the day was a visit to the Algal Innovation Centre at Cambridge Botanic Gardens, where students viewed large scale installations exploring algae based carbon capture and storage. Researchers explained how they are investigating ways to scale up these emerging technologies, with the potential to generate electricity while also helping to capture carbon from the atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity for Simon Balle students to experience cutting-edge research first hand, see how scientific ideas are being developed beyond the classroom and gain an insight into the challenges and possibilities of future sustainable technologies. After a fascinating day of science, engineering and discovery, we headed home with our minds full of wonder and curiosity about algae, these remarkable water based photosynthetic organisms.
- Dr Bates, Head of Physics
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle All-Through School
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Simon Balle School
11 hours ago
ART ENRICHMENT
Our Art enrichment team has been working hard to create props for our upcoming school drama production.
Their beautifully crafted clay jam tarts and biscuits look remarkably realistic. Let's hope Mr Pooley can resist taking a bite before opening night.
Art ...and Design Team
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle
11 hours ago
ART ENRICHMENT
Our Art enrichment team has been working hard to create props for our upcoming school drama production.
Their beautifully crafted clay jam tarts and biscuits look remarkably realistic. Let's hope Mr Pooley can resist taking a bite before opening night.
Art ...and Design Team
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle School
11 hours ago
PLATE RUNNERS-UP!
Huge congratulations to our U14 Netball team who represented Simon Balle at the Anne Miles County Netball Competition last Saturday!
This is an incredibly tough competition, bringing together some of the strongest netball schools across the county, and our girls were... outstanding throughout the day.
They faced some really challenging matches, showing resilience, excellent team connections and fantastic rotations throughout.
The team qualified for the Plate Semi-Final, where they produced a brilliant performance to beat Chauncy 11–3 and secure their place in the final!
The final against Sandringham was an absolute thriller. It was neck and neck throughout, with two evenly matched teams battling right until the end. The game went into extra time, but unfortunately the girls narrowly missed out, losing by just 2 goals.
🥈 Plate Runners-Up!
What an achievement and what a performance from the girls. We are so incredibly proud of the way they represented Simon Balle, competing with determination, supporting one another and showing fantastic team spirit throughout the day.
#simonballeallthroughschoool #simonballe #simonballesport
Simon Balle School
3 days ago
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
It was no routine Monday morning when our Year 13 Physics students set off by train on a journey to the Department of Biochemistry at Cambridge University. They participated in a hands-on workshop exploring avant-garde technologies that use algae to generate electricity, ...including Bio Photovoltaic (BPV) cells and plant Bio Electrochemical Systems (plant-BES).
Students began by the workshop assembling their own BPV kits, bringing together a range of components while developing valuable engineering skills. Working as scientists, each group had to determine the concentration of algae in water that allowed sufficient light to be absorbed to maximise electrical output. Once the optimum concentration was established, each team measured current-voltage properties and competed in a challenge to make the BPV kit with highest electrical power. It was a fantastic opportunity to take scientific skills that we regularly develop in school and apply them in a real world research environment where controlling every variable is far more challenging.
The final highlight of the day was a visit to the Algal Innovation Centre at Cambridge Botanic Gardens, where students viewed large scale installations exploring algae based carbon capture and storage. Researchers explained how they are investigating ways to scale up these emerging technologies, with the potential to generate electricity while also helping to capture carbon from the atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity for Simon Balle students to experience cutting-edge research first hand, see how scientific ideas are being developed beyond the classroom and gain an insight into the challenges and possibilities of future sustainable technologies. After a fascinating day of science, engineering and discovery, we headed home with our minds full of wonder and curiosity about algae, these remarkable water based photosynthetic organisms.
- Dr Bates, Head of Physics
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle
3 days ago
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
It was no routine Monday morning when our Year 13 Physics students set off by train on a journey to the Department of Biochemistry at Cambridge University. They participated in a hands-on workshop exploring avant-garde technologies that use algae to generate electricity, ...including Bio Photovoltaic (BPV) cells and plant Bio Electrochemical Systems (plant-BES).
Students began by the workshop assembling their own BPV kits, bringing together a range of components while developing valuable engineering skills. Working as scientists, each group had to determine the concentration of algae in water that allowed sufficient light to be absorbed to maximise electrical output. Once the optimum concentration was established, each team measured current-voltage properties and competed in a challenge to make the BPV kit with highest electrical power. It was a fantastic opportunity to take scientific skills that we regularly develop in school and apply them in a real world research environment where controlling every variable is far more challenging.
The final highlight of the day was a visit to the Algal Innovation Centre at Cambridge Botanic Gardens, where students viewed large scale installations exploring algae based carbon capture and storage. Researchers explained how they are investigating ways to scale up these emerging technologies, with the potential to generate electricity while also helping to capture carbon from the atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity for Simon Balle students to experience cutting-edge research first hand, see how scientific ideas are being developed beyond the classroom and gain an insight into the challenges and possibilities of future sustainable technologies. After a fascinating day of science, engineering and discovery, we headed home with our minds full of wonder and curiosity about algae, these remarkable water based photosynthetic organisms.
- Dr Bates, Head of Physics
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle School
3 days ago
EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES - MFL BAKE OFF
On Friday, The Larch celebrated European Day of Languages with our fantastic MFL Bake Off.
Our children baked an incredible variety of creations to mark the occasion, including brightly iced European flags, intricately piped greetings in ...different languages, impressive fondant creations inspired by European cuisines, and carefully constructed models of famous European landmarks.
Throughout the day, all children in The Larch had the opportunity to visit the display and admire the wonderful creations. There was an impressive amount of creativity, effort and attention to detail on show, which made judging a very difficult task.
A huge well done to our winners and to everyone who took part. It was wonderful to see so many fantastic bakes celebrating the occasion.
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool