We were delighted to welcome Christopher Jeans, son of the distinguished physicist, astronomer, and mathematician Sir James Jeans (OW) to the school this week. After attending Wilson’s, Sir James won a scholarship to read Mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with a first class degree. He went on to lecture at many institutions, including Cambridge and Princeton in the United States. He made important contributions in many areas of physics, including quantum theory, the theory of radiation and stellar evolution.
Christopher Jeans has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a prominent geologist at the University of Cambridge. He is one of the UK’s leading soil scientists, specialising in clays. He has been called as an expert witness for the defence in a number of high-profile criminal trials.
The Jeans family has very generously contributed a significant sum to the science department at Wilson’s. This will enable us to purchase a particle collector that will sit on the roof as well as a fine telescope for astronomical enquiry. Christopher Jeans’ visit was marked by a special Sixth Form assembly delivered by our own Mr Nicholas Benn, followed by the unveiling of a new display as we formally name S12 “The James Jeans Laboratory”. He enjoyed meeting pupils from each key stage in the science department, as well as touring the school.
On the very same day, Year 7 pupils walked to St Michael and All Angels Church in Milton Road for a special Founder’s Service to honour another great legacy: that of Edward Wilson! An address by the Headmaster was followed by the tradition of singing the School Song (with music specially composed for the school by Herbert Murrill). The tenors and basses of the Chamber Choir performed under our choral director Christopher Hann, and a short sermon was given by Father Paul Fitzpatrick, who had so kindly hosted us for the service. Following the presentation of the banner by senior members of the CCF, the church roof was lifted an inch or two by a rousing rendition of Jerusalem (another school tradition!).
