MVS Summer 2023 Newsletter

SCIENCE MUSEUM
Words by Mr Forman, Head of Science
All Year 7 and 8 pupils went on a great trip to the Science Museum. We saw an eye opening and spectacular 3D film about life
in the Antarctic at the IMAX Ronson Theatre and spent an hour in the fully interactive Wonderlab exploring quirks about how the
scientific principles interact and can be seen in real life in a very fun way.
Plus, we learnt about Engineering, saw some genuine space rockets, historical medical equipment and engaged in lots of the
science we’ve learned across the whole year.
Outstanding Achievement
A huge congratulations to Year 8 pupil Emilia, who came 3rd in an international competition
following Year 8’s study of war poetry. The Never Such Innocence organisation asked,
‘What does war mean to you?’, with responses ranging from poetry, to art, to songs. Out
of thousands of entries across over 70 countries, Emilia’s piece came 3rd, which is a huge
achievement. Her piece was hailed as ‘striking’ and ‘skilful’ by judges and she received a
congratulatory letter from the Prime Minister along with a certificate.
Puppets by Emilia
Judges Feedback:
“This striking drawing makes a powerful
political statement about the relative
power of different actors in war. When we
visualise war, we often centre soldiers as
the key perpetrators of conflict, but this
picture reminds us that their movements
and decision-making are controlled by
higher powers. The presence of only
a pair of large, controlling hands, not
a face or body, underlines that higher
power’s lack of accountability; they are
able to remain anonymous, invisible,
while soldiers do their work. The sight of
soldiers on puppet strings helps us to see
them as victims, not just agents of war.
The skilful drawing captures a sense of
movement, the power of those hands,
and the powerlessness of the soldiers
suspended on the end of their strings.”
Dr. Alice König – Senior Lecturer in Classics
at the University of St Andrews
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