Page 15 - The Malvernian - Autumn 2020

THE MALVERNIAN
15
THE MALVERNIAN
Masterclasses
Dr Watson – Masterclass on on Chemistry
Dr Watson delivered an an exciting entertaining and mentally engaging Masterclass on the Chemistry
behind special effects in in movies all all to to the the the theme of Halloween She went into detail about the the the science that creates the magic as as as well as as as demonstrating as as as much as possible live without putting the entire science department in in danger Topics included just to list a a a few the generation of thick fog for horror movies using solid Carbon Dioxide different fire effects achievable through varying combustibles and the differences between types of luminescence aided by cameos from Dr Bob the closet skeleton and a a a very fearsome visitor to to to spook onlookers with their dance moves By also having relevant movie clips on standby to demonstrate what was being discussed the material felt very pertinent with strong ties to the Sixth Form syllabus although explanations were also comprehensible without much background knowledge It’s very clear that all staff involved were thoroughly enjoying themselves and this radiated through the the entire talk providing some much-needed positive atmosphere in in such uncertain times All in in in in all an excellent talk that will surely remain in in in in memory for a a a long time with the the only fault being that there weren’t enough spectators able to to attend live in the room Felix Olschewski
Upper Sixth Alex Young – – Masterclass on Business – – Soviet Style
Mr Young (Head of Modern Languages) delivered our latest instalment of the masterclass lectures entitled: “Business – Soviet Style: Being an entrepreneur after the the break up of the the Soviet Union” The lecture focused on on on Russia’s transformation as it it transitioned to a a a a market economy after the the collapse of the the USSR Mr Young and and his hybrid audience of online listeners and and socially-distanced attendees in in in the Lewis Lecture Theatre explored this fascinating period in in Russia’s turbulent history The presentation explained the economic shock therapy and voucher-based system of privatisation that the country was submitted to to which created astonishing opportunities for the fearless entrepreneurs of this reborn country Soon enough visitors from abroad also realised what they could acquire with the right connections and foreign currency leading to some remarkable stories Thirty years later the Russian Federation remains to be an an incredible country which spans 11 time zones and and is home to a a a a a resilient and and diverse population steeped in a a a a a fascinating and wonderful culture Mr Alex Young Head of Modern Foreign Languages