This week, we had A Conversation With... Mr Batchelor, the latest addition to Shiplake College's Science Department. Mr Batchelor joined us at the beginning of the Spring Term, just a few weeks ago. He is an avid rower and enjoys playing golf in the summer months and last year won the Berkshire Schools Golf Association Herbert Trophy at Eton's golf course.
What is your favourite science field to teach and why?
I really enjoy teaching A Level genetics, especially protein synthesis. It always amazes me to consider all the intricate details of transcription and translation. Both are beautifully complex, yet elegantly simple.
How did you become interested in science?
Growing up, my hero was David Attenborough. He entranced me every Sunday evening with his thought-provoking and breath-taking documentaries. I was obsessed with animals and dinosaurs and that passion sparked within me a deep interest in understanding the natural world.
Tell us a science based joke?
A photon is on holiday and arrives to check into his hotel. The receptionist, surprised, asks the photon where his luggage is. The photon replies, "no need for luggage, I'm travelling light!"
What British scientist would you put on a £50 note and why?
I would like to see Rosalind Franklin on the £50 note. Franklin's work as an x-ray crystallographer at King's College London produced images that contributed to James Watson and Francis Crick's identification of the DNA double helix. Despite her work being recognised by Watson and Crick, she was not included in the Nobel Prize the duo won.
Should more be done to inspire young people to consider science for a career and why?
Absolutely! I feel that science has become the lesser of the three core subjects, especially in the aftermath of the change to enforce re-takes for English and Maths. Studying science leads to a deeper understanding of our world; it fuels creativity, develops entrepreneurship and encourages innovation. There are endless possibilities for exciting, challenging and literally world-changing careers. Something I feel all students should contemplate.
