TALKS AND LECTURES
Max played a video taken directly from the ship they climbed onto using a rope ladder, just seconds before it was too late. After recovering from this tormenting experience, Max returned to the same race, ultimately setting a new world record for the fastest crossing in history.
I was especially struck by the importance of decision-making in his story, and how, in this case, the sharpness and perceptiveness of those decisions made the difference between life and death. Seeing an OS like Max Thorpe in such a high-stakes situation made me appreciate how much our school teaches us about the importance of decision-making, not just for schoolwork or extreme situations, but for all aspects of life. I also felt that this was a source of inspiration for all of us, as Sevenoaks students sitting in the audience, giving us the drive to carry that same determination into whatever challenges we may face after our time at school.
Sofia Touboul, Lower Sixth
PROFESSOR DAVE GOULSON Saving Our Insects
During STEAM Week, in March, the entomologist, author and UK Wildlife Trusts ambassador Professor Dave Goulson gave a lecture, Saving Our Insects, in which he discussed the state of the insect population, and what we can do to help them.
Goulson first illustrated the reasons insects should be protected – their role as pollinators and being nature’ s clean-up crew. His passion was evident when he claimed their wonder was enough alone, presenting a dazzling assortment of species. One insect, the manfaced stink bug( Catacanthus incarnatus), has a body resembling the face of Elvis Presley.
The talk took on a sombre atmosphere when Goulson displayed the losses of insect life during recent years. He quoted a German study conducted over 27 years, which showed a worrying decline of 75 per cent in insect biomass collected by Malaise traps. Goulson then went on to detail the trials insects are presently undergoing, from parasites to insecticides and herbicides.
Professor Goulson encouraged people to take action, particularly in their gardens. He suggested being selective about the plants you grow, and being receptive to‘ weeds’( to reduce the need for weedkillers). He suggested creating bug hotels and
14 ACADEMIC REVIEW