© The Cherwell School Summer Newsletter, July 2012 Page

CSI Investigates.................... The Cherwell School!In May 2012 Year 8 took part in the exciting and interactive forensic workshop “A Case of Conspiracy”.They expertly used observation and deductive reasoning combined with the science that they are learningin the laboratory to solve a fictitious crime.Taking a journey into the world of the Forensic Scientists they discovered how forensic evidence is gathered,how it is analysed and how the results of these analyses are compiled to provide a detailed pictureof the events leading up to the crime and of the criminal.As evidence was received, theories were developed, tested and rejected or accepted as the informationbecame clearer, to eventually determine each characters role in thecrime.They learnt that, as a result of the work carried out by Forensic Scientists,suspects can be eliminated or the case against themstrengthened. In court, it is often the forensicevidence that results in the conviction of acriminal and as a result forensic science isalways at the cutting edge of science, however,it is still based on simple techniques and principles that are learned in theschool laboratory.This was a fantastic experience for students and staff involved and the Year 8’swere impressive in how they conducted themselves throughout the sessions andthe discoveries they independently made.Miss Black, KS3 Science CoordinatorRobot ClubRobot Club has been another new venture this year, after wereceived a very generous donation of LEGO Mindstorms kitsfrom Wolvercote Primary school. We have added this to existingkits, to give us enough for eight groups of enthusiasticrobotiers to use their imaginations to the full. By popular demandRobot Wars will occur in a grand Summer finale.Mrs GregoryThe most amazing Lego kit EVER!!Cherwell students demonstrating their engineeringskills with a self-built solar-powered vehicleOlympic Fact: One of the Mascots being used for the 2012 London Games has been namedMandeville in recognition of the Stoke Mandeville games for the disabled.Page 12 Summer Newsletter, July 2012 © The Cherwell School