On Tuesday, 30th November, an enthralled audience of 102 students and parents attended the first annual Christmas Science Lecture at Torquay Girls' Grammar School. The talk, by Professor Michael Benton (Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Bristol), was on "The Permian-Triassic hyperthermal crisis: how heat kills" - and Professor Benton was able to show the fascinated audience how we already know what the dangers are of a warming climate, as this has happened many times in the past, with the most extreme of these being at the Permian-Triassic boundary.

Comments from parents who attended the talk included "Fantastic talk, thanks, girls enjoyed it and looking forward to the next one", and "Thank you for organising this evening's talk. It was fascinating, and an amazing opportunity for the children (and adults) to hear from an expert in their field."

Head of Geology, Gordon Neighbour, said "We are deeply indebted to Professor Benton for giving up his time for our students, and showing them the science behind the headlines...". After such a successful event it is intended that there will be a TGGS Christmas Science Lecture held annually, so if you missed it, look out for next year's event!

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Leading automotive company Bentley Motors has partnered with social mobility charity Speakers for Schools to offer virtual work experience for young people. Through its most recent work experience week, aimed at young women, Bentley Motors held a design competition for the students. The winning designer, TGGS student Yen Li, has received a 3D model of their design. The team at Bentley Motors were particularly impressed by Yen Li’s innovative approach, inventive design and ability to work quickly and with attention to detail.

On recieving the model, Yen Li commented “I would never have found work experience with Bentley Motors without Speakers for Schools and I really enjoyed learning about the business. The car design challenge was exciting and I am delighted to have won and to receive the 3D model.”

The leading car manufacturer is offering over 280 work experience opportunities throughout 2021. The most recent work experience was aimed at young women who may not have considered a career in this industry. The advantage of virtual work experience allowed students from across the UK to take part with the Crewe-based manufacturer, from Cumbria to Torquay, female students were able to gain insight into this Bentley Motors.

Since March 2020, Speakers for Schools has offered an engaging, virtual platform for young people to access eye-opening career experience. This has become all the more important as the pandemic has slowed in-person work experience opportunities and young people have been prevented from exploring new career paths or connecting directly with employers.