Alumnae Inspire Sixth Form Scientists

It has been full STEAM ahead with our Science@Sixth Friday lectures this term, with two fascinating presentations from two alumnae speakers:

Alex Broughton (Class of 2014) studied physics at Swansea University for four years and was awarded an integrated masters (MPhys) in 2018. She then started a 3-year training course for Medical Physics in September 2019, specialising in radiotherapy physics which she finished in September 2022. Part of the training scheme included a MSc in medical physics (studied at King’s College, London), done part time over the three years. Alex shared her experiences of working as a registered clinical scientist at Oxford University Hospital Trust, which she joined in September 2022. Alex really enjoyed coming back to school and commented “It was an absolute pleasure and I'm happy to help in any way I can to increase the number of students taking physics at A level and university.”

We were also delighted to welcome Nursing Times Cancer Nursing award winner, Dr Victoria Harmer (Class of 1985), who is a Consultant nurse (breast) and lead nurse for the breast screening and symptomatic services at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. She runs a nipple areola tattoo clinic and acts as a Key Worker to people diagnosed with breast cancer; supporting them and their family throughout the different modalities of their treatment trajectory. She has published widely, as well as editing the book ‘Breast Cancer Nursing Care and Management’ and acted as medical adviser for radio (The Archers), television (Coronation Street, EastEnders, Fleabag, Family Affairs) and film (Miss You Already, Criminal). Dr Harmer was a Finalist for the Nursing Times awards again in 2022. She has worked with Marks and Spencer designing swimwear for the post mastectomy body, is Trustee for Against Breast Cancer charity, on the Medical Advisory Board for CoppaFeel! charity, deputy Chair for Europa Donna UK and a member of the ABS International Forum and Nurses Committee. She lectures nationally and internationally. Dr Harmer has a degree in nursing from Kings College, an MBA from Westminster Business School, a doctorate from Kings and is also an Associateship of Kings College. Dr Harmer talked about her route into nursing and the impact of her work to a large audience of WHS sixth-formers who asked some thought –provoking questions.