Autumn 2015
Putney Academic Focus
Putney Old Girl and parent Professor Mala Maini studied medicine at Guy’s Hospital, and specialised in infectious diseases and HIV. After completing her specialist accreditation, she decided to side-step out of full-time medicine and try her hand as a research scientist; funded by a Medical Research Council Clinical Training Fellowship, she gained a PhD in Immunology in 1998. After becoming hooked on the thrill of experimental research, she combined work as a Consultant Physician with building up a research group investigating the immune mechanisms underlying the infectious diseases from which her patients suffered. After studying glandular fever and HIV, her research team has concentrated for the last 15 years on the hepatitis B virus, which still kills more than 600,000 people a year. Their work is internationally recognised for its contribution to this rapidly developing area of scientific research. Mala was promoted to Professor of Viral Immunology in the Division of Infection and Immunity at UCL in 2009 and awarded a Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator Award in 2013.
“Working as a doctor or a research scientist is a vocation not a job; most people I know are so passionate about what they do, they’re almost surprised they can be paid to do it! So don’t be put off by the competition and hard work, it will all be worth it to do something you’re really excited by, and make a difference to other people’s lives in the process.”
Medicine, Dentistry & Veterinary edition M
ALA SAYS: A medical degree opens the door to so many different career paths, there is something to suit every personality – and you can even try several of these paths in one career, like I have.
I’ve volunteered on a project in Zambia, helping to run a clinic for patients with AIDS and tuberculosis and taking time out to camp in the bush protected by nothing more than a mosquito net. I’ve specialised in HIV Medicine and spent years getting immensely involved in a large caseload of patients dying from AIDS in the years before successful antiviral treatment.
Then for the past 20 years I’ve moved into medical research, obtaining a PhD in viral immunology, and running a laboratory aiming to develop new immunotherapies for hepatitis. I still see patients, which never ceases to feel like an immense privilege for the trust people place in you and the chance to touch their lives in often just small ways. But now I also have the intellectual stimulation of researching a very dynamic field, and the thrill of: planning experiments and seeing new data emerge; scouring literature for clues to support our findings; discussing ideas with brilliant colleagues; travelling the world to present our findings and hear about the latest developments; training the next generation of scientists and clinical researchers; and heading a team that is hopefully contributing towards the groundwork that will inform the development of new treatments for millions of patients in the future.
The hepatitis B virus infects the liver and kills more than 600,000 people a year.
I think I would have felt daunted if I’d read about these experiences when I was still at Putney – I don’t think I would have imagined myself capable of any of this in a million years. It is hard to believe how many doors will open for you with a bit of serendipity and a lot of determination and enthusiasm. You don’t have to have it all mapped out from the beginning, just stay flexible and open to new opportunities and when you find a job you’re really passionate about, it won’t even feel like work.
I’ve worked as a hands-on junior doctor, learning a huge amount of general medicine in a district general hospital in Devon, rushing to cardiac arrest calls at 3am, enjoying the camaraderie of being part of a busy team and living in the sociable ‘Doctors’ Village’. I’ve trained at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London, checking travellers for a variety of horrible worm infestations and looking at blood samples sent from hospitals round the UK for malaria parasites in the middle of the night.
Focus on Dentistry Putney parent and dentist Rhoda Matthews gained a degree in Dental Surgery at Guy’s Hospital.
Rhoda with Nathalie Rennie the Practice hygienist therapist
She says: I have been in general practice for over 30 years and I am now in my third practice in Notting Hill. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and have loved both Dentistry and having my own business. I chose Dentistry because I like working with and helping people, and also enjoy working with my hands. It is vital that you are a ‘People Person’ and have excellent communication skills. Running a practice is a business, so management skills are also important. Having a business has been very satisfying and rewarding, although it is hard work.
Georgie Matthews left Putney after 14 years in 2008, then spent five years at the University of Sheffield Dental School graduating in 2014. She completed her Dental Foundation Training year, which is compulsory for working in the NHS, and was thrilled to be offered a full-time position at the same practice. Foundation training is a year where you work as a qualified dentist, seeing and managing patients independently, but with the help and support of your Foundation Trainer. In this first year you are paid a salary so there are no targets to achieve, allowing a smooth transition from student to self-employed dentist.
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An example of a failing tooth coloured filling (above) and its replacement (below).
Dentistry is a career that offers endless possibilities – from general practice, being a specialist, working in the community or in hospitals, to research and teaching.”
Georgie has been offered a full-time position to start in January 2016 so she has been lucky enough to go travelling for a few months. She started in Colombia and is working her way down to fly home from Buenos Aires, Argentina at Christmas.
Focus on Medicine Putney Old Girl Katherine Downey is a locum consultant radiologist in cancer imaging at the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she also undertook a clinical imaging fellowship. Previously she was a research fellow at the Institute of Cancer Research, where she completed an MD on pelvic MRI in cervical cancer. She says:
IN BRIEF ●● Began undergraduate medical training at Imperial College in 1998 ●● Graduated in 2004, having completed an intercalated BSc in 2002 at University College London. ●● Early postgraduate medical and then surgical training in London and Surrey before choosing radiology as a specialty.
Radiology appealed to me as a subspecialty within medicine as it involves a crosssection of different medical and surgical patients with a variety of imaging needs. Solving puzzles through imaging is hugely rewarding. I was drawn to cancer imaging as it is so important in the cancer patient’s journey, not only at diagnosis but also during treatment and follow up after treatment. Imaging in oncology is always challenging and constantly evolving. MY ADVICE If medicine is the right career choice for you, it will be massively rewarding – the opportunities are so diverse that there is something within medicine for everyone. But also think hard about whether you want to invest the time that it requires both during training and after qualification, especially in the current NHS climate where there is pressure on junior doctors to work more antisocial hours.
Solving puzzles through imaging is hugely rewarding Putney parent Dr Hilary Kirkbride is Consultant Epidemiologist and acting Head of Travel and Migrant Health National Infections Service for Public Health England, responsible for migrant health – including the health needs of refugees and asylum seekers. Previously she has worked for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Liberia, setting up primary health care clinics, running feeding centres for malnourished children and vaccination campaigns. She says: Working in Africa was an amazing and challenging experience and one where I felt I really made a difference. I am now working closely with government and the NHS to ensure the health needs of Syrian refugees and asylum seekers are met – again quite challenging but really worthwhile. I enjoyed the sciences but wanted to do something to help people and medicine seemed the obvious choice. Most people contemplating medicine would be thinking about a clinical job but public health interventions such as sanitation, clean water and vaccination have done more to improve life expectancy than any medical intervention. WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN I’m not sure that it matters too much where you go to medical school – a few years down the line, it doesn’t make any difference.
IN BRIEF: ●● One year teaching in Africa with Project Trust, then studied Medicine at Bristol University. ●● Initially specialised in paediatrics, then general practice. ●● Diploma in Tropical Medicine and specialist training in Public Health. ●● At Public Health England since 2001, responding to unusual and emerging infections.
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Focus on Careers in Veterinary Medicine Emma Laws (Class of 2008) is on a three year residency programme as part of her aim to become a specialist in small animal neurology and neurosurgery. She says: Neurology is fascinating, involving everything from spinal surgery on paralysed dachshunds to brain tumour removal. We also have to publish at least three research papers in veterinary journals and have a role in teaching vet students which is really rewarding. MY ADVICE Veterinary medicine is a vocation. I would say only pursue it if you are absolutely convinced that it is what you want to do. The training is hard, long and expensive and the job at the end is really rewarding but has long hours and is much less well paid than your friends who have jobs in the city or have pursued human medicine. Career progression in the veterinary field is fairly limited but hopefully there are steps to change this in the future with opportunities in industry (pharmaceutical companies), education, research and the government sector. GETTING INTO VET SCHOOL The admissions team base most of their decisions on your personality and whether you can communicate effectively and have an enquiring mind. Make sure you have spent time in your local veterinary practice – I worked every Saturday morning from the age of 14 until Sixth Form. This allows you to get a feel for the profession and shows dedication. If you can, experience lambing or just spend a week on a farm. Lambing is magical and, as something you are required to do in your first year of vet school, is definitely worth experiencing. In the interview, tell them you are interested in pursuing research (we are always short of people to do research in veterinary medicine).
WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN Taking a gap year and going travelling before university won’t hinder your chances of getting a place at vet school and is probably the best time to do it. I don’t think I will ever get the chance now until I’m retired! Not getting straight A/A*s doesn’t mean that veterinary medicine is out of reach – if you’ve done plenty of work experience and can show your dedication and love for the profession and you get an interview, then you stand a good chance. Plus there are entry programmes (eg RVC) where you can do an extra year at university, but with entry requirements which are much lower. 4
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IN BRIEF ●● A Levels in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Spanish (with an AS in Further Maths). ●● A five year BVSc programme in Veterinary Science at Bristol. ●● One year in general small animal practice in Chippenham before returning to Bristol University for further specialist training.
Make sure you have spent time in your local veterinary practice . . . this allows you to get a feel for the profession and shows dedication. If you can, experience lambing, or just spend a week on a farm.”
Tessa Cornell (Class of 2010) is in her final year at Edinburgh School of Veterinary Studies, from where she has been involved in projects including working with an equid charity in Zimbabwe, a neuter clinic in India, and a horse rehabilitation centre in South Africa. She says: veterinary studies. As a result, I had the opportunity to conduct research on African trypanosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease which affects humans, livestock and equids. This involved both laboratory-based projects at the Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Medical School, and a field project with a working equid charity in Zimbabwe. I was also very fortunate to receive a bursary to attend a working equid colloquium held by World Horse Welfare last summer, during which multiple charities discussed the crucial role working equids play in human livelihoods worldwide. I hope that I will continue to develop an interest in the One Health concept, embracing the collaboration of human medics, vets and all science-based disciplines, which might lead to further field research in zoonotic disease. My ambition to study veterinary medicine was founded when I began volunteering at my local small animal practice every Saturday morning. This opened my eyes to the many rewarding and challenging aspects of the veterinary profession, and the transferable skills that the degree offers, from effective public communication to an understanding of business management. I subsequently accumulated several weeks of work experience to improve my understanding of animal husbandry in a range of exciting settings. This included a dairy farm, a sheep farm during lambing time, and a rescue shelter for stray dogs in Spain. In addition, I worked in a veterinary diagnostics laboratory, highlighting one alternative career. I took A Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, which were required for entry onto the veterinary programme, but also took Spanish until AS Level, driven by my interest in travelling and working in South America in the future. I was thrilled to be offered a place at the University of Edinburgh and feel absolutely privileged to have spent
the last five years in such a beautiful city. The interview process is always nerve racking so my advice to anyone considering applying for the course is to practise being questioned by your family, friends and teachers, and be confident in your personal statement. Make your application stand out from the crowd by writing down any unique work experiences or hobbies.
Nearing the end of the degree, the course has not only taught me to promote animal health and wellbeing through public service, but has highlighted that general practice is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a realm of other possible careers available to graduate vets such as biomedical research, government service, disease surveillance, and food safety.
The course at Edinburgh is divided into pre-clinical and clinical years, during which you are required to complete 26 weeks of work experience in the holidays. As well as completing multiple placements in practices across the UK, I have also used work experience as an excellent excuse to travel in some wonderful countries! This has included working in a neuter clinic in India, and in a horse rehabilitation centre in South Africa. My advice to anyone pursuing veterinary medicine, is to make the most of all these opportunities! Selecting good work experience is also vital in developing the practical and transferable skills required for when you graduate. Edinburgh School of Veterinary Studies has also provided me with lifelong friends, and an opportunity to live in a wonderful city for six years!
This variety both attracted me to the course and led to an extra intercalated BSc year in Infectious Diseases, between my fourth and fifth year of academic focus autumn 2015
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Focus on Careers in Veterinary Medicine
James Champion is a partner in a small animal veterinary practice in Barnes. He says:
I studied in Australia. My subjects were Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for the equivalent of your A Levels. I then studied Veterinary Science for five years at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. WHAT APPEALS TO ME: I like working with animals but also with people, as this is as much a part of my job as treating the patients. I also enjoy being able to work through what can be quite convoluted problems and achieving a good result at the end. MY ADVICE: You need to be a people person as well as liking animals. Be prepared for hard work and long hours. Working as a vet can be stressful at times but it is ultimately very rewarding.
Focus on Medical School Polly Bowman left Putney in 2012 with A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Having now completed her first three years of medical school at Leeds University, she is taking a break from medicine to do an intercalated BSc in Molecular Medicine. She is also undertaking a research project looking at blood clots in patients with a rare blood disorder, and hopes to present the findings of this research at international conferences. Polly says: I was drawn to a career in medicine by my natural interest in science and the intellectual challenges medicine offers in such a fast-moving field. Medicine requires quick thinking and decision-making skills, and provides interaction with a variety of people and the chance to build meaningful relationships with patients and colleagues alike. What surprised me most about medical school was the emphasis on developing skills required to become professional, caring and safe doctors. I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to not only build on these interpersonal skills but also further my scientific knowledge at the same time. Anyone considering a career in medicine should be prepared for a tough but undeniably rewarding journey. The workload is relentlessly high, the timetable is full-on, and there are regular written and practical exams too. It helps to be organised, motivated and to be able to deal with pressure and stress. However, the hard work all seems worth it when you experience the positive impact on your patients’ lives.
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Communication skills and the ability to listen and empathise with patients, families and colleagues are essential in medicine, and I think these are areas that girls should explore more fully at interviews and in personal statements.�
Focus on Medical Work Experience Medicine is an attractive career choice; it’s varied, rewarding, intellectually stimulating and provides the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. However, studying medicine is a long process and it is a demanding and stressful career. I went in search of work experience to help confirm that medicine really is the right career pathway for me. It has made me appreciate the commitment that is required to work in such a challenging environment. I was fortunate to spend a week in the Dermatology Department of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. I observed many different dermatology clinics throughout the week – general, paediatrics, genetics, melanoma and lymphoma. From eczema to alopecia, I was surprised by the range of cases seen in just one afternoon. I saw the high levels of trust patients put in a doctor’s decision-making, and how decisions aren’t always clear cut. In an oncology clinic, I saw how a doctor was able to show concern and empathy towards a patient and their family without becoming emotionally exhausted by the situation – a challenge when caring for an end-of-life patient. I attended multidisciplinary team meetings where I learnt about the role of each healthcare professional, and I saw how important teamwork and communication skills are when discussing case notes and deciding treatments for each patient. I was impressed by the synergy in the team despite demanding circumstances and high expectations. Spending two days in the Royal Marsden Hospital’s nuclear medicine department in Sutton gave me an insight into the intense complexity of cancer treatment planning – for example, considering the intensity and angle of the radiation beam to target the cancerous cells, but avoiding damage to nearby organs. I was introduced to the different types of scanner and the equipment that was used to control image quality, watching them in action.
At the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, I observed two orchidectomies. I was captivated by the manual dexterity of the surgeon whilst performing the procedure, and the attention to detail of the anaesthetist who had to respond to sudden changes in the patient’s physiology. I was surprised by the relaxed, yet focused atmosphere in theatre.
Work experience has made me reflect on the pressures of being a doctor, but these have nevertheless heightened my determination to work in such a varied and dynamic career. I have been humbled by my exposure to the care and empathy of the healthcare professionals and the strength of the patients at these vulnerable points in their lives.”
I volunteer at Kingston Hospital on an orthopaedic ward, assisting staff and patients at mealtimes. I have gained interpersonal skills to develop relationships with patients whilst helping them to eat and drink. Volunteering at a nursery school and helping Reception girls in our Junior School taught me that every child requires an individual approach. My determination and flexibility were significant in these situations, as would they be in a career in medicine, as no patient or consultation is the same. Mariella Williams Year 13
A state-of-the-art radiotherapy system allows radiation fields to be adapted to a patient’s anatomy during treatment for cancers that have historically been difficult to scan and target with radiation.
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Focus on Year 11 Work Experience Name: JESSICA WARD My first week was spent at SURREY DOCKS FARM in East London, a perfect chance to gain experience working with animals. The week involved cleaning and feeding the animals and assisting visitors to the farm. Although it was exhausting, it was enjoyable and I met some veterinary students who were also on work experience placements. This was helpful as they were able to inform me further about the process involved in becoming a vet. For my designated school work experience placement I worked at MEDIVET in Barnes. Here I was able to attend consultations right through to operations. I watched operations, from spays and castrations to a tennis ball being removed from a dog’s gut! I was also able to act as an assistant in some of the operations, where I held the oxygen masks onto the animals and handed equipment to the surgeons. I helped to study specimens and to diagnose animals. I spent my third week at the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey. I spent my time mainly in the dog kennels and the cattery, where I cleaned and fed the animals, walked the rescue dogs, and helped visitors. It was yet another exciting week and I am looking forward to finding my next placement. My work experience has further encouraged me towards veterinary medicine.
Name: DORA MARSHALL Institution: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON, DEPARTMENT OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY Type of work: Medical Research. I observed and helped carry out research into improving the vaccination for hepatitis B. This involves complex procedures for extracting different types of white blood cells from blood using advanced equipment, such as a flow cytometer. Most useful experience: I also attended university lectures giving me an insight into the university experience – collecting blood and liver samples from local hospitals and producing a poster to spread awareness of hepatitis B. Working at UCL meant I could work alongside people from all over the world who were not much older than me, and this will help me decide what to do in the future. Most challenging moment: Carrying out experiments with complex, expensive equipment with the possibility of dangerous outcomes.
Name: KATIE SHEA Institution: One week at ST GEORGE’S HOSPITAL/two days at the ROYAL SURREY HOSPITAL Type of work: Shadowing a neurosurgeon, observing brain and spinal surgery. Shadowing an orthopaedic surgeon and spending a day in A&E. Most useful experiences: It was amazing to be so close to these often life-saving operations and learn about modern neurosurgery. Sitting in on morning department meetings when the neurosurgery team analysed brain scans and discussing possible differentials and treatments. This was extremely interesting as I was able to learn how to analyse brain CT scans and identify any possible abnormalities. Talking to junior doctors about the struggles and rewards of the job. These amazing opportunities strengthened my desire to study medicine at university and provided me with unforgettable and invaluable experiences Most challenging moment: Learning how to interpret brain scans and to get to grips with complex medical terminology.
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From the Headmistress Name: GRACE RAHMATALLAH Institution: IMPERIAL COLLEGE HEALTHCARE – NHS Trust Type of work: Medicine Most useful experience: My day on the A&E ward rounds where I observed how procedures are carried out during stressful times, for example emergency cannulas and putting patients onto life support machines. Most challenging moment: Staying on my feet during the four hour ward rounds in the morning.
Name: ERIN AILES Institution: GUY’S AND ST THOMAS’ HOSPITAL Type of work: Photobiological Research Most useful experience: Learning to use the lab equipment to prepare and analyse tissue cultures. Most challenging moment: Following and understanding the eight-page research paper on melanin and its links to melanoma, given to me as some ‘light background reading’.
Name: TASMIN SARKANY Institution: GUY’S AND ST THOMAS’ HOSPITAL Type of work: Photobiological Research
Putney has a rich tradition of sending girls on to careers in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. We have much support in place to help girls who may be interested in such careers, some of which is outlined in this publication. From Medical Society and expert talks to extension reading and help with work experience, our team of staff is here to guide girls throughout the process. It was particularly pleasing that in 2015, all Medicine and Dentistry applicants achieved their first choice university. We are lucky to be able to draw on a network of alumnae for advice and guidance. We thank all of our speakers, including Old Girls, who have given their time to share their wisdom. Suzie Longstaff Headmistress
Most useful experience: Finding out which processes go into a scientific research project and how problems with data collection are overcome.
Did you know? 89% of Science GCSE entries received an A or A* in 2015
Most challenging moment: Listening and understanding lectures that we were taken to about protein synthesis and how new sun creams could be made using cutting-edge materials and techniques. @putneyhigh
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Key contacts
Focus on Medical, Dentistry an
A great source of information on everything to do with applying for Medicine is the Medic Portal www.themedicportal.com It includes: THE MEDICINE APPLICATION GUIDE
In 2015, all Medicine and Dentistry applicants achieved their first choice university. Pictured here from left to right: Lucy Foreman, University of Nottingham, Medicine; Gabriella Webb, Cardiff University, Dentistry; and Dominque Tham, University of Edinburgh, Medicine.
100+ free pages, breaking down and explaining every step of the medical school application process ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
Deciding Work Experience Medical Schools UCAS UKCAT BMAT Personal Statements MMI Practice (Multiple Mini-Interviews ) ●● Interviews ●● More Sections ●● Blogs
MEDICAL SOCIETY Friday lunchtimes at 1.45pm
And much more ….. Other websites you may find useful: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk Health Careers in the NHS www.bshdt.org.uk British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy www.rcvs.org.uk Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
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Since Year 9, I have regularly attended our weekly medical society. Just this year we have covered topics ranging from discussions on work experience to the different routes into medicine. We keep up to date with current affairs, such as the Ebola virus and development of a vaccine, or the recent claims made that Alzheimer’s can be transmitted between people in certain medical surgeries. The Society gives students a forum in which they can broaden their knowledge in an inspiring way that goes far beyond the bounds of the curriculum. Lara Brown, Year 10
nd Veterinary Science applications As you can see from our alumnae comments and the work experience from current students, careers in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine are rewarding and fulfilling. They are also highly sought after, and as a result the competition for places at university is intense. In the last academic year, the ratio of applications to offers for Medicine alone was 11 to 1. The former Universities minister, David Willetts, speaking in 2014, described the level of competition to pursue a career in medicine as “one of the most dysfunctional features” of the education system. Similar ratios for applications are found for Dentistry and Veterinary Science. TO MAKE THEIR APPLICATION AS STRONG AS POSSIBLE, STUDENTS MUST SHOW DRIVE AND COMMITMENT Academic performance throughout GCSE and A Level is essential, but so is developing a wider awareness of current issues in the media and familiarity with ethics. Many successful applicants begin their voluntary work in Year 11 and by the time of the application will be able to reflect on how this experience develops their own skill sets in team work, communication and problem solving. Putney supports students in arranging Year 11 work experience, and it is important that further work placements are arranged throughout Year 12. Advances in healthcare, dentistry and veterinary science are widely reported in the national media, and an extensive reading list of books available in the school library is provided to support the development of intellectual curiosity.
HOW CAN STUDENTS GIVE THEMSELVES THE BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS? You will need to take an organised and proactive approach to your studies and extra-curricular activities. The correct A Level subject choices are paramount and Putney recommends that students select Chemistry and Biology as two of their three choices. Many students choose Physics or Maths as their third option, and the option of AS Mathematics should be strongly considered for those not selecting Maths or Physics as a full A Level. Medical, Dental and Veterinary Schools use a combination of screening procedures to select the best candidates from the field, and these include: ●● High grades in GCSEs. The majority of grades for successful candidates in previous years have been A*s ●● High scores in admissions tests (UKCAT or BMAT) ●● Evidence of academic curiosity and a passion for learning ●● Evidence of regular voluntary work in a healthcare, veterinary or related setting ●● Varied medical, veterinary or dental work experience Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science are long and demanding courses, and the ability to combine academic success with extra-curricular commitments, such as music, sport or drama, is also strong evidence of the potential to succeed in this environment.
Medical Society, run on Friday lunchtimes, is a thriving and well attended opportunity to explore scientific ideas in detail, study anatomy and debate the medical news stories of the day. The society is open to Years 9 to 13, and Sixth Form students often share their own experiences of work experience in veterinary practices, dentistry and hospital settings. Throughout the autumn term we focus on admissions tests and the application process. Weekly coaching to support interviews, applications and admissions tests is provided within the science department, and a variety of external courses are advertised to students.
Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine are thoroughly rewarding and exciting worlds to enter. Success requires hard work, self-motivation, a record of intellectual achievement, and a commitment to caring for others. Through our staff, facilities and alumnae contacts Putney will provide all students with the best possible opportunity to succeed in their chosen career. Will Dixon, Head of Science
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Throughout their time at the Junior School, our girls experience a range of fun and exciting learning opportunities to find out about the medical profession and to practice the roles and skills involved.
Year 4 have begun to understand how important the skeleton is through the investigation of x-rays and examination of models of human bones to see how they are connected and how they help us to move. Year 5 have used stethoscopes to listen to their hearts beating and have investigated what they can do to keep their heart healthy. They have also carried out investigations to find out which form of exercise makes the heart work harder and so become stronger.
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Following on from their work in Reception, Year 1 will be improving their understanding of healthy eating through the planning and making of food for a birthday party. They will also be identifying the basic parts of the body.
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Year 3 will be role-playing as dentists in Year 3, where they will be charting teeth whilst wearing masks, gloves and using a dentist’s mirror.
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Year 5 will investigate the lives of the famous scientists Edward Jenner and Alexander Fleming, learning about their discoveries and their impact on medicine. They will also make working models of their lungs and find out how important it is to not smoke.
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Year 6 will use their debating skills when discussing how to be healthy. This includes the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way human bodies function.
email: putneyhigh@put.gdst.net
Year 3 have enjoyed being challenged on their understanding of anatomy. They drew around their friends to create a life-sized outline of the body, and then decided where the vital organs should be placed.
Reception will be finding out about doctors and nurses as part of their understanding of people who help us. They will also meet the school skeleton, role-play as doctors and learn about how to stay healthy, including through what they eat.
fax: 020 8789 8068
Already this year, the girls in the Junior School have experienced a number of medical learning activities. Year 2 have measured each other’s temperature, checking that each other was well, whilst also learning about thermometers.
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phone: 020 8788 4886
STILL TO COME THIS YEAR:
Putney High School 35 Putney Hill Putney SW15 6BH
Focus on Medicine in the Junior School
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