THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE

For the past 15 years, Hautlieu Science Department has hosted masterclass lectures by eminent neuroscientist Dr. Guy Sutton. Head of Science Dan Swanwick explains why “Brain Day” has become such an important part of the school calendar.

(Words and images by Dan Swanwick).

Guy Sutton’s seminars are based on innovative research and are tailored to the learning needs of our students. His mission statement is simple: educate, enrich, and inspire at every level, from layperson to professional. His enthusiasm for neuroscience, cell biology and forensic science is infectious, and his wealth of experience in brain science and medicine have brought joy to many Hautlieu students and teachers over the years.

Dr. Sutton’s primary research interests are the genetics of neural development and brain function, together with the interactive nature of biological, genetic, and behavioural factors in disease processes. Guy has held academic positions at several universities, where he has lectured in neuroscience and genetics to a range of undergraduate and postgraduate students, including medics, biologists, and psychologists. Guy has talked about the theoretical and clinical aspects of his research on television and radio and featured in Beyond the Genome, a 2016 documentary for Reelhouse Productions.

Hautlieu’s relationship with Dr. Sutton started through a speculative email sent to all Jersey secondary schools, asking if we would be interested in a lecture being delivered to our students. We were one of the few schools to respond and were rewarded with an engaging lecture on DNA and disease. The positive student feedback led to Guy returning annually to deliver memorable seminars and tutorials on forensic science, DNA and genetic disease, and epigenetics, as well as to be part of “Brain Day.”

During “Brain Day,” an annual highlight for our key stage 5 Biologists and Psychologists, students learn about the astounding advances in our understanding of the workings of the human brain and nervous system over the last twenty years. Together with genetics, neuroscience is currently one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of academic and clinical study. Guy points out that neuroscience is a key component of many degree courses but is an area in which many students experience problems, possibly because of the complex anatomical pathways and terminology that pervade the literature. Guy’s tutorials are designed to clearly present this complex material, addressing challenging theories and issues in neuroscience by employing a variety of stimulating formats. The sessions build from A-level and IB content on neurons through to the complexity of the brain. He then explores topics such as drugs and the brain, genes and brain development, and the working vs. the damaged brain with particular focus on schizophrenia. The highlight is always the sheep brain dissection, which enables students to visualise brain anatomy and physiology in an interesting way. Each lecture passes so quickly, and it is lovely to see our students so enthusiastic, asking stimulating questions and receiving such interesting answers. The explanations take students’ knowledge to another level and the content is always stimulating and challenges even the most able students.

Primary school students from a range of on-island schools, notably Mont Nicolle, have also been visiting Hautlieu’s science department for over 15 years as part of “Brain Day.” The excitement, wonder and awe seen when these young scientists first enter a school laboratory is a joy to behold. Over the years, our visitors have enjoyed a wide range of interactive activities, including: handling animals and learning about their adaptations, making honeycomb and chocolate water slides, studying microorganisms, musical flames and designing telephones, investigating friction and air resistance by building parachutes for eggs, and ‘potion science’ based around the Roald Dahl book George’s Marvellous Medicine. These interactive science experiments, led by specialist teachers, have been designed to reinforce and extend the children’s understanding of the natural, chemical, and physical world in fun and memorable ways.

We plan to invite Dr. Guy Sutton to Hautlieu for many years to come, and our next exciting development will be to offer an evening lecture to parents and students. Watch this space!