Thought For The Day – Friday 14^th November 2025

It was wonderful to welcome Year 7 students and parents for their first “Academic Consultation Evening” last night.  Their memorable T.B.S.H.S. journey has very much begun and students, under the inspirational leadership of: Miss. Butler;  Mr. Kelsall;  Mrs. Waldock;  tutors and staff;  can be very proud of “The Black and Gold Spirit” demonstrated.   A new chapter, book, and series very much awaits.

Time will fly by. Today sees the final deadline for University and College applications in the Sixth Form.  These students are thinking about their journey beyond T.B.S.H.S.. Thank you very much indeed to: Mrs. Radford;  Mr. Munro;  Mr. Mariner-Goff;  Mrs. Howe;  and Mrs. Goan for their inspirational work, which, once again, maximizes opportunities for all through accountability, challenge, encouragement, nurture, and support. From first meetings at Sixth Form Open Evening and Induction Days, to Results Day, the Sixth Form gives outstanding care.

Students may be Professors one day.   All students in the School are scientists.  Science is life.  And life is science.

The Bishop’s Stortford High School are very honoured to welcome a very distinguished scientific guest, and Professor, today.  Thank you to the Chemistry and Science departments, teaching, and laboratory staff,  for this fabulous and unique opportunity.  Thank you to Mrs. Ring for the information provided on our very distinguished guest.

When we moved to the new school building, the Science department named each of the rooms after a U.K. scientist who has made a very significant, and curriculum-linked, contribution.

“B23” at Beaumont Avenue was and is named after the wonderful Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff, of the brilliant Nottingham University, who very kindly agreed to this modest gesture, and said he would make time to visit us.  Professor Poliakoff will officially open the room at lunchtime today.  A very memorable occasion.

In 2015, Professor Poliakoff was knighted for “Services to the Chemical Sciences”.

His knighthood recognized his leadership in green and sustainable chemistry and his work as an ambassador for U.K. Science.

Nottingham has a wonderful tram system, and Professor Poliakoff has even had a tram named after him in Nottingham, pictured also above, something he is particularly proud of.

Professor Poliakoff has brought science to millions, globally, thanks to his “YouTube” channel, “Periodic Videos”, which features a video for every element of the periodic table along with numerous other engaging and interesting presentations.

As the “Conference of the Parties” meets again, this time in Brazil, our attention continues to be focussed on the environment, without which we have and are nothing. “Black, Gold and Green”.  We follow the science and continue to need to help and wisdom of science. This, of course, was also seen in the global pandemic.

Professor Poliakoff researches in the vital field of “Green Chemistry”.  He has worked on anti-malarial drugs.

Professor Poliakoff has talked of the importance of science, technology, and ethics.

Professor Poliakoff will talk with Sixth Form Chemistry students during Period 4 and Year 10 Chemists during Period 5.

We are very deeply honoured indeed to welcome Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff, such a very distinguished guest,  who perfectly shows our values of aspiration, commitment, respect, integrity, and community, and inspires all to academic excellence and outstanding social responsibility.