Our Students Are Gene-iuses!

This term, Biology at Hellesdon Sixth Form got a major upgrade. Thanks to the world-renowned Amgen Biotech Experience, our students became real genetic engineers, performing biotech techniques normally reserved for university labs and research centres. And they absolutely thrived.

Across four thrilling practicals, students explored the frontiers of DNA technology, developing industry-grade skills and engineering glow-in-the-dark results.

 Lab 1: Micropipette Masters
Precision was the name of the game as students learned how to use micropipettes, high-tech tools used to measure microscopic amounts of liquid. It was a crash course in accuracy, control, and scientific focus. Mistakes were made. Skills were levelled up. Victory was pipetted.

 Lab 2: Prepping Plasmids for Genetic Greatness
Next, students prepped plasmid DNA, tiny circular strands of genetic material. These plasmids carried special genes, including one that makes proteins fluoresce (yes, glow). From freezer to lab bench, students handled the DNA like seasoned scientists.

 Lab 3: DNA Engineering - Making It Glow
Here’s where science got seriously exciting. Students used restriction enzymes to cut open plasmids and then added a fluorescent protein gene using DNA ligase. The result? A recombinant plasmid — custom-built DNA, created right in our lab. This is real-world genetic engineering, and our students nailed it.

 Lab 5: Gel Electrophoresis - DNA on Display
To check their results, students ran their DNA through gel electrophoresis, using electricity to separate DNA fragments and visualise their success. And there it was, glowing proof that they’d built working recombinant DNA.

 From Textbooks to Test Tubes - and Beyond
The Amgen Biotech Experience didn’t just teach our students about biotechnology, it gave them the chance to be biotechnologists. They gained hands-on experience, used real research equipment, and explored the same processes used to make insulin, vaccines, and gene therapies.

This was science brought to life. Engaging. Inspiring. Unforgettable.

The future of medicine, genetics, and innovation might just start right here, in D1. 

 Huge thanks to the Amgen Biotech Experience team, Dr Smith at TSN, our brilliant teachers for allowing students the time to make it happen, and of course, to the superstar students who took part.