November saw the passing at the age of 97 of the Nobel Prize winner Dr James Watson. Watson was recognised for his discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule alongside his contemporary at the University of Cambridge, Francis Crick in the year 1953. The discovery was hugely significant and has gone on to change and inform modern science, medicine and technology. Indeed, as a biology teacher (by trade at least…) I know that much of the current A level syllabus relies on the principles established by Watson and Crick 72 years ago. In fact the fundamental elements of their Nobel Prize winning discovery are taught in the first module of the A level, and GCSE students are also expected to know about the double helix and base pairing that, before Watson and Crick’s work, was unknown to humanity and not well understood. Not many people realise the Watson and Crick were in their 20s and 30s respectively when they made their discovery – just a few years beyond where our A level students are now. Watson however, went on to become a controversial figure, later making remarks about race, gender and eugenics that, for me and many others have tarnished his reputation, however important his discoveries were. It is also now well understood that Watson and Crick relied heavily on the work of X-ray Crystallographer Dr Rosalind Franklin whose gender prevented her from gaining the recognition she deserved for her contribution to the discovery.
All of this came to mind for me several times this month. In particular, the students in Year 12 have been doing work on the ‘protected characteristics’ and how these are upheld at Brampton through one of our 5 core values – ‘Respect and Kindness.’
I was also chatting to our Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Dr Jonathan Chappell this week about one of his lessons I was lucky enough to see. The theme of the lesson was dualism vs monism. He was excited to describe that one of the students in his class, a biologist, had mentioned that she believes there are now biologists who reject the notion of a purely mechanical system of inheritance dictated exclusively by the structure of DNA and other molecules, and that human existence and human spirit is determined by more than mere chemistry. It seemed to have prompted a lively debate that Jonathan was skilfully guiding the students through and was a great insight for me into some of the fascinating learning that takes place at Brampton day-in-day-out!
It also seemed timely when I received a request to provide a reference for a former Brampton student (Zarlashta, class of 2022) who is about to undertake a PhD at the Francis Crick Institute, named in honour of the Nobel Prize winner. Zarlashta was a remarkable student while at Brampton. She was the epitome of everything an A level student needs to succeed – determination, a phenomenal work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, ask questions, and take advice. Above all, she was someone who embodied positivity in the face of adversity and whom I will always remember as a wonderful person and human being. It is a privilege that I have remained in contact with Zarlashta, who, I believe, is the first PhD student I’ve ever taught and a source of pride to think that Brampton has been able to support a woman into a STEM career at such a prestigious institution when in the not so recent past, such a thing would have been impossible for a woman to aspire to. To all of our female STEM students – keep believing, and don’t underestimate the impact you are having and will go on to have in the world!
Meanwhile, please look out for an up and coming news piece featuring pictures of the Principal in his Commemorative, 2006, UEFA Cup Final, Middlesbrough FC shirt before the staff team took to the field to defeat the students 6-5 in a competitive encounter (all for charity of course) that proved, when it comes to winning, youth is important, but you can’t beat experience… 😉
John
