1 April 2025
That the first of six talks in this half of term – by Professor Rob Palgrave from UCL – looked at how artificial intelligence will change science and the final one – by Professor Alison Shell, also from UCL – explored temptation in Othello and Macbeth illustrates perfectly the wide variety of thought-provoking topics covered by guest and student speakers in Woldingham’s talks programme.
Professor Palgrave’s STEM Live talk envisaged a future where AI may result in paradigm shifts in scientific thinking, while Professor Shell’s discourse on two of Shakespeare’s tragedies fuelled minds focused on upcoming public exams, with Sixth Formers studying Othello for A Level English Literature and GCSE students studying Macbeth.
During the intervening Friday lunchtimes, we enjoyed three Thinking Big talks from students. Christiana in Year 7 delved into the subject of dark matter, revealing that she has been fascinated by space for some years; Lower Sixth Former Lilico talked about The Mathematical Magic of Music, looking at connections between her two passions (and playing the Fibonacci sequence on her violin); while Imani, Lower Sixth, tackled whether free speech is a right or a privilege, using case studies from recent history, as well as referencing the work of 19th century philosopher John Stuart Mill.
Members of Woldingham’s Beekeeping Society were among the audience for Emeritus Professor Francis Ratniek’s captivating talk on The Amazing Honey Bee. As well as learning many fascinating facts about a creature we see frequently, and that research into its behaviour is “a magic well for discoveries”, Professor Ratniek, who for many years led the Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects at the University of Sussex, was a wonderful example of how a hobby can become a career. This and the other five superb talks certainly set minds buzzing.