Burning Beards, Bad Smells and 'Bone Offs'

New this term is the Gurney Society, offering an informal and enjoyable environment for all Reptonians to broaden their ideas about science and be exposed to research methods, ideas and processes across all three scientific disciplines.

Named after John Henry Gurney, founder of the School’s first Chemistry Department, and instigated by current Science teacher Julia Rushton, the Society will embody the spirit of scientific enquiry, Repton ethos and great deal of fun that both teachers have inspired in their pupils.



Nicknamed the Pelican, Gurney is already enshrined in Repton folk law as the inspiration for ‘Lex Pelicana’ or the bone off. Joining Repton in 1873, he was well ahead of his time - fond of explosions, bad smells and occasionally setting his beard on fire, he was a truly inspirational and forward-thinking teacher, and the Gurney Society will help ensure these qualities endure here at Repton.

This week’s meeting will feature professional magician Paul Brown from Magical Mayhem performing tricks involving electricity, after which Sam Mitchell and Julia Rushton will unveil the scientific secrets behind them.

Enabling pupils to explore a huge variety of scientific topics, from flight in birds to astrophysics, and from genetics to John Driver’s breathtaking chemical demonstrations, the Gurney Society will excite as well as educate and offer a fantastic new addition to the School’s extra-curricular program.