Academic Scholars' Newsletter - 10th May 2024

SVS- Scholars and Exhibitioners

Opal Sandy, a toddler from the UK, was born unable to hear due to a gene problem. But she became part of a special trial where doctors gave her a new gene in a quick 16-minute surgery. Now, at 18 months old, Opal can hear almost perfectly and loves playing with toys. Her parents were amazed when they saw her respond to sounds for the first time.

This trial, called Chord, is run by Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge. It aims to help children with hearing problems caused by gene issues like Opal's. The treatment involves sending a working copy of the gene into the ear using a harmless virus. Opal's case is the first of its kind globally. Doctors hope this trial marks a new way to treat deafness, showing promising results for future patients. While Opal's hearing is restored, her parents face a new challenge: dealing with her newfound love for making noise by banging cutlery on the table.

Is the EV Revolution

Stalling?

Pioneering Gene Therapy Restores Hearing

Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, initially modeled his smartphone company after Apple. Now, Xiaomi is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market, outpacing Apple's abandoned EV project. Xiaomi's SU7 car has seen strong pre-order demand, contrasting with a general slowdown in the EV market. Even Tesla, once a leader, has faced challenges, with declining sales and stock value. The entire industry is facing a crisis, especially in the US, where both pure EV firms and traditional carmakers are struggling. In Britain, where EV demand has dropped, carmakers face additional pressure due to government mandates. Chinese EV makers like BYD, Nio, and XPeng are poised to weather the storm due to their innovation and competitive pricing.

SVS- Scholars and Exhibitioners

Science and Medicine

Will Immunotherapy cure Hay Fever?

Springtime often brings a lot of sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses for many people due to something called hay fever Some folks have it so bad that usual remedies don't help much.

Luckily, there's something called immunotherapy that might help. It's a treatment that could become more available soon, especially since new research is showing how well it works

What's immunotherapy? It's a way to train the body to handle allergens better Instead of reacting badly to pollen, like making you sneeze and have itchy eyes, it helps your body make stuff that fights the reaction This treatment starts with a few months of getting small doses of the allergen, like pollen, to help your body get used to it Then, it's about maintaining that dose for a few years

You can get immunotherapy in two main ways: through a shot under your skin or through liquid drops or tablets under your tongue. Does it work? Yes, research shows both methods can help The shot is older and has more evidence, but the tablets are safer.

It's best to start treatment before pollen season kicks in Doing it for a few years can really help reduce symptoms. But here's the thing: not many people in the UK can get this treatment Even though it could save money for the health service in the long run, it's not easy to access. To get it, you usually need to have severe hay fever that normal treatments don't fix Plus, it's not a magic cure for everyone, and it takes a while to see the benefits. So, while it might not work for everyone, immunotherapy could be a game-changer for some hay fever sufferers.

Listen- Science and Medicine Podcasts

Why Aren't You A Doctor Yet is an award-winning podcast where science and tech journalism meets millennial pop culture. My friends Hana, Suhail, Oz, and I do deep dives each episode into the world of science and technology. From skin bleaching and genetic testing to facial recognition and data mining, this is the podcast that surgically dissects and disassembles the latest news and drops it directly into your ears.

Dr Alex Lathbridge

Regulation? An Own Goal?

The UK government announced plans in April 2022 to appoint an independent football regulator following a fan-led review prompted by various crises in the sport, including the failed European Super League and club collapses. The regulator aims to improve financial sustainability, resilience, and safeguard the heritage of English football. It will have the power to sanction clubs breaking rules and compel bad owners to sell. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a "historic moment for football fans". The regulator, separate from government and football authorities, seeks to address the game's broken financial model by focusing on licensing and distribution of Premier League money. While welcomed by some, the Premier League opposes it, warning it could harm the league's global competitiveness. Critics argue regulation risks undermining the essence of the sport.

Listen- Best Podcasts in Sport

The Following on Cricket Podcast by talkSPORT is a show dedicated to cricket fans. This podcast features interviews with some of the biggest names in cricket, including Graeme Swann, David Lloyd, and Nasser Hussain, as well as discussions on the significant issues in the sport. The show airs every Tuesday and whenever England cricket has a game. The hosts, Neil Manthorp and Ashes star Steve Harmison bring you the latest cricket news and interviews you can’t afford to miss weekly.

https://open.spotify.com/show/6

Opportunities

A Call to all 1st , 2nd and 3rd Form Scholars to see Mr Shuttleworth if they would wish to deliver the first ‘Magpie Talk’ to the Prep School. This can be a talk aimed at the Prep School students on a topic of your choice that may encourage and spark the younger students academic curiosity!

You are welcome to prepare and deliver your talk individually or in pairs. Ideally we’d arrange for the talk next half term.

A successful set of Fairley Talks this year, thanks to the efforts of a number of 4th and 6th Form Scholars.

Thanks to Esme Creed and Lydia Alexander, Filipp Rivanenok, Faisal Junaid, Kate and Emily Slipper, Elyse Ratcliffe, Musa Sarfraz and Sophie Browning for a series of excellent and engaging discussions.

Alongside developing your scholarly interests amongst the school community the talks offer a great opportunity to develop your own public presentation skills and have something to talk about on those allimportant UCAS applications!

For those yet to offer their services to the talks we are now taking bookings for next year Michaelmas Term- speak to Mr Shuttleworth.

Opportunities- Lower 6th Essay Competition

Jung Chang

The Cultural Revolution was one of the most extraordinary events in world history. Chairman Mao Zedong initiated a purge of all those who he claimed were slipping away from communist ideals and behaviour. Children were divided into Reds and Blacks. The Reds were children of peasants, workers or Communist Party officials. The Blacks were the children of middle-class parents, richer farmers or former supporters of the Kuomintang. Red children were encouraged to hate and humiliate Black children.

Jung Chang and her family were deeply caught up in this extraordinary period of turmoil and conflict. The chapters in Wild Swans on this are compelling.

Please note that this essay prize is different from some others. There is no question as such. Essays should include a description of the experiences of Jung Chang and her family. It should also include an account of the Cultural Revolution – how it started, how it progressed and the results. In addition, we hope for your comments or observations about what happened and why. A short list of tips for writing the sort of essay we want is here. There is no requirement to reference sources but we recommend that you add five to ten endnotes particularly if you refer to a little-known fact or a controversial line of argument. Essays should be 1,800 to 2,000 words.

UK prize

First prize: £1,500., Second prize: £600.Third prize: £400. Highly commended: £100.

The top prizes will be divided equally between the student and the school. Four to six essays will be highly commended and all the money will go to the students. Another five to seven entries will be commended and receive a certificate.

The essay competition would suit students who want to improve their personal statements in their UCAS forms. The prize is open to students who will be in year 12 or year 13 in the academic year 2024-25. They must be resident in the United Kingdom. Deadline and awards ceremony

The deadline for entries is noon on Sunday January 26, 2025. Each candidate must only submit one entry but there is no limit to the number of entries from any school. The prizes will be awarded by Jung Chang herself in a ceremony at a prestigious central London location.

https://historyoftotalitarianism.com/essay-prize-2024-25/

Review- Wild Swans- Jung Chang

"Wild Swans" by Jung Chang is a captivating memoir that offers a poignant and deeply personal exploration of three generations of women in China. Through vivid storytelling, Chang takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous history of China, from the end of the Qing Dynasty to the Cultural Revolution. The narrative follows Chang's grandmother, mother, and eventually herself, painting a vivid picture of their struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs in the face of political upheaval and societal change. With its rich historical context and intimate portrayal of family dynamics, "Wild Swans" is a compelling read that offers both insight into China's past and a universal tale of resilience and hope.

Review- Fix the System not the Women- Laura Bates Reviewer- Sophie Browning

"Fix the System, Not the Women" by Laura Bates is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of gender inequality and discrimination in society. Bates delves into various aspects of systemic sexism, from workplace discrimination to gender-based violence, and offers compelling arguments for why the focus should be on fixing the systems that perpetuate these injustices rather than placing the burden on women to adapt and endure. Drawing on research, personal anecdotes, and real-life examples, Bates sheds light on the pervasive nature of gender bias and its detrimental effects on women's lives. With its insightful analysis and call to action, "Fix the System, Not the Women" is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding and combating gender inequality.

Opportunities- Oxbridge- Online advice Q&A.

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/visiting-and-outreach/outreachevents/connect-how-prepare-competitive

A range of up-and-coming online sessions offering advice from current Oxbridge students on all aspects of the application process. These sessions will provide overview alongside give you opportunity to ask specific advice from those who have already successfully navigated the process.

You can follow the link above and sign up to join via Microsoft Teams. For the 14th June seminar I’ll be happy to sign up on your behalf if there are a number wishing to join together- all others are either within holidays or the last day of term.

This is a great resource and must for any potential candidate wishing to potentially follow this avenue.

Featured Uni Course:Accounting and

Finance

What you’ll learn

Accountants are the backbone of the financial world: they are numerate, articulate, analytical and understand how companies work An accountant’s advice can sway how bosses make important decisions This sounds like a huge amount of responsibility – and it is – but a degree in this field can give you the skills, background knowledge and confidence to succeed Remember, though, that it is possible to become an accountant without a degree.

Modules vary between universities, but most cover the same core topics: an introduction to the principles of finance, accounting and bookkeeping. Courses are also likely to cover statistical methods, business law, macroeconomics and the basics on how organisations are structured Optional modules might include taxation, pensions or public sector accounting

Students will leave university with an understanding of accountancy practices, an awareness of how business or public sector organisations are run, and an ability to think critically and interpret data. Most courses will introduce you to the IT tools used by the business world to collect, present and analyse financial information

How

you’ll learn

Students are taught through lectures and seminars. Some institutions also offer sandwich courses, where undergraduates can spend a year on an industry placement learning on the job. Assessment will involve coursework and written exams, as well as group projects and presentations. Some universities, such as the University of York, allow you to choose your own assessment breakdown in the final year.

As well as learning from full-time academic staff, most courses will include lectures from visiting professors who work in industry and can talk about current challenges facing businesses.

Entry requirements

Some Russell Group universities require maths at A-level (or equivalent). Business studies and economics should help your application Requirements vary by university

What job can you get?

To work as a chartered accountant after graduation you will need to study exams set by major professional bodies. Some degrees are accredited, so you may be exempt from sitting some official tests. Although it can take several years to become fully qualified, chartered accountants can earn up to £60,000 during training, according to careers website Prospect.

Career paths – and consequently salaries and workload – vary As well as working in professional accountancy, many graduates find roles in management consultancy, investment banking and financial management. There are lots of employment opportunities at the big four accountancy firms (Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers), smaller companies and the public sector. Many graduates also work in private practices

Source:- https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/sep/05/university-subject-profile-accounting-and-finance

Source:- https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/accounting-and-finance#application-advice

Explore further with an indepth weekly Podcast on all things business and finance based:https://open.spotify.com/sh ow/69DL3DIVIJZHpbSEzXs0 Kc

Source:- https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/sep/05/university-subject-profile-accounting-and-finance

Gresham College hold a wide range of lectures on a wide range of topics- all of which may be watched free of charge either in person or online. The current programme may be found below with all previous lectures archivedplease see link below.