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
13 hours 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
13 hours 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
14 hours 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
Simon Balle
14 hours 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
Simon Balle School
5 days ago
SAVE THE DATE | SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING
Thinking about Sixth Form for September 2027?
Join us on Wednesday 14 October, 5:30–7:30pm for our upcoming Sixth Form Open Evening.
This is a great opportunity for prospective Year 12 students and parents/carers to find out more about... Sixth Form at Simon Balle, explore our post-16 pathways and discover the subjects we will be offering from September 2027.
Wednesday 14 October
5:30–7:30pm
Keep an eye on our Sixth Form website next week for further information, including more details about the evening.
Sixth Form Starts Here.
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle
5 days ago
SAVE THE DATE | SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING
Thinking about Sixth Form for September 2027?
Join us on Wednesday 14 October, 5:30–7:30pm for our upcoming Sixth Form Open Evening.
This is a great opportunity for prospective Year 12 students and parents/carers to find out more about... Sixth Form at Simon Balle, explore our post-16 pathways and discover the subjects we will be offering from September 2027.
Wednesday 14 October
5:30–7:30pm
Keep an eye on our Sixth Form website next week for further information, including more details about the evening.
Sixth Form Starts Here.
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool