The sessions start at 9.30am and finish at 12.30pm, attendance for pupils can be arranged using a form from their Headteacher or  a telephone call to Mrs Bernadette McGoff on 0161 226 3323 with their choices.

THURSDAY 29th November 2007

We are delighted to give you advanced notice that Michael Benton (Prof. of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Head of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol) has agreed to deliver this year’s Geology Christmas lecture. The lecture will be on THURSDAY 29th November next at 7.00 pm in the Academic Hall.

Today it is common knowledge that the dinosaurs were wiped out 65 million years ago by one or more catastrophes, which killed 50% of the species that were living. Far less well-know is a much bigger catastrophe which occurred 251 million years ago during which 90% of life on land and in the sea was destroyed. Prof Benton’s talk is entitled ‘When life nearly died – The Greatest Mass Extinction of all Time’ which will be an update on his 2003 book of the same name which will cover his current work in Russia.

We will have copies of Prof Benton’s 2003 book available for purchase and signing after the lecture; an ideal Christmas gift. As his talk is directly related to the current (and future) WJEC specification we expect it to be popular with A level geology students from around the North West as well as being of interest to younger students and the general public. We are restricted to 250 seats in the hall so early booking is advisable.

If you would like further information please contact Mr. Loader (Geology Master) or Phil Cairns (Geology Society Coordinator) at the College and we will add you to the list for contact after half term.