Simon Singh’s Big Questions

Only four days into the new term, our Lower Sixth pupils had the chance to hear from Simon Singh, a renowned science author, theoretical and particle physicist, and a BAFTA award-winning documentarian.

Throughout his career, Singh has worked with the BBC’s Science and Features Department, producing and directing programmes such as Tomorrow’s World and Horizon. He also created the Theatre of Science, a show designed to make science entertaining for all. That same passion and energy were evident when he presented his lecture on the Big Bang Theory to our L6th pupils.

The lecture centred on three core questions surrounding the Big Bang Theory:

• What is the Big Bang Theory

• Who came up with the idea?

• Why do we think it is true?

Through lively discussions and video clips, pupils were encouraged to think critically and explore ideas from fresh perspectives, unlocking the answers to these fundamental questions.

Referencing his books—Fermat’s Last Theorem, The Code Book, and The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets—Simon highlighted the importance of mathematics in understanding the universe. As he put it, “Maths really underpins everything.”

He also shared that, as a pupil, his favourite subjects were mathematics and physics, encouraging pupils to build strong skills in these areas.

“My one word of advice is that if you want to become a physicist, engineer, or economist, your maths needs to be really strong.”

A fun fact about Simon: he is married to Anita Anand, a former Bancroftian (OB) and current BBC broadcaster!

We extend our thanks to Simon Singh for his inspiring and insightful lecture.