Robbie, at 16 already a World Biathlete Champion, was one of the youngest in the 16-19 age group in the competition. Across all age groups there were over 260 competitors, braving the open water at Boxend, near Bedford, at a chilly 14 degrees. Robbie was required to swim 750m in open water, then remove wet suit, put on trainers and immediately run 5km.

In the fastest wave of swimmers of the day (all males under 35) – Robbie emerged third fastest in the swim – but with his hands almost frozen from the cold, he struggled in transition (160th slowest time of the day). He made made this up, however, with a fantastic sixth fastest time on the run course, which resulted in him winning the events age group (15/16 year olds) and placing him fourth overall among all competitors.

Now Robbie can look forward to representing the country in September.

Once accustomed to the white floors and the open plan space the students were introduced to their guides for the evening, who demonstrated some Selex projects. These were fascinating, as Selex is a market-leader in defence innovation and manufacture. The first demonstration showed how computer modelling software simulates different battle scenarios. The U6 Students, all of whom will be studying STEM subjects at university next year, watched a technical marketing video and were shown the advantages of being able to model and test equipment on computers.

A second engineer took the group into an anechoic chamber where antennae are tested. This was a slightly strange experience as the lab was unusually quiet in comparison with the area outside the door, not to mention the blue spiky foam that covered every surface. The foam, of course, was the explanation for the silence: in order to test antennae, no other electromagnetic waves can enter the room to confuse the antenna. The foam absorbs all background interference, including sound.

As well as serving as an interesting experience, the visit taught students about an unusual field of Research and Development, opening their eyes to the possibilities of their chosen areas of study.

Report by Tom de Sousa

Both St Albans School and Verulam came close to scoring in the first half; St Albans threatened the Verulam goal in the 32nd minute only to be denied by the keeper. Verulam similarly had their chances, the best coming just before half time through a set-piece that was scrambled away on the goal line by a desperate St Albans defence. The deadlock was broken seven minutes into the second half when a ball through the middle found its way to Ben Rose, who calmly tucked it away into the left hand corner for his first goal of the season, and a timely one. The St Albans School boys then went two up in the 24th minute when a searching run down the left was rewarded with a cross and a goal from six-yards out, deftly finished by Freddie Scutt – also scoring his first senior goal of the campaign.

With a little over 10 minutes to go, Verulam pulled one back in a bizarre goal that saw the defenders, the attackers and the goalkeeper all appear to misjudge a long through ball that somehow ended up in the back of the net. A fraught few minutes followed, the referee contributing to the drama by playing a second half of almost 52 minutes, and St Albans School surviving a late scare and goalmouth clearance to claim a deserved victory.

David Forbes-Whitehead, Head of Football, praised the commitment from the boys: “It was a difficult game and many of my players were exhausted from their efforts only 24 hours earlier,” he said. “The players showed great character in winning the St Albans and Harpenden District Cup, both in the way that they approached the game and in their determination to overcome a very determined Verulam team. The coach, Bill Wilson, and I are delighted with the result as a reflection of the strength of football at St Albans School. Many of our players will still be at the school next year, which bodes well for the future.”

Conversely, he stated that if you can study science, do that because science is the ultimate art! It is perhaps unfortunate that everyone in the room had already chosen the route to studying humanities and was silently kicking himself for picking Politics over Physics.

What set Professor Grayling’s lecture out from others, were his anecdotes that proved to be both humorous and thought provoking. From assuming that every student in the room was an avid reader of Austen, Aristotle and Abélard – a French philosopher that attracted blank stares from most of the room; his fondness for Ancient Greek tales of wise men challenging wealthy kings all gave the lecture a fresh outlook on studying Humanities and provided many a chuckle along the way.

Profesor Grayling was also eager to promote his new university, the New College London, before dropping the bombshell that fees are £18,000 a year. Scholarships and bursaries are available and NCL is offering a rich curriculum of not only the elected subject but also encompassing Critical Thinking, Science, and Applied Ethics – a degree option worthy of strong consideration.

Report by Matthew Adrian

The Lecture was swiftly followed by a delicious four-course black tie dinner in the new school refectory. The whole event was a great success, enjoyed by all and an excellent way to finish the Society’s activities this year.

Report by Jonathon Philips