Brain Day with Dr Guy Sutton

On Wednesday 11 March, our Sixth Form biology and psychology students were joined by Dr Guy Sutton for an exciting ‘Brain Day’.

Dr Sutton held two sessions: one for psychology A Level students from Queen Anne’s and visiting students from LVS Ascot, Marist School and Easthamstead Park, and one session for Queen Anne’s A Level biology students. Both sessions included talks and discussions, and the dissection of a sheep’s brain!

Dr Sutton began by talking about the brains of different animals. In his career he has dissected the brains of rats, cats, chimps and dolphins, just to name a few! He shared his extensive knowledge on the similarities and differences of how different brains work, before moving on to talk about the human brain.

Humans have incredibly large brains when compared to the size of their whole body, at 1/40 the size of the human body. They weigh around 1.3-1.4kg, and take up to 20% of the body’s blood supply at one time.

“The very first time I held a human brain, it was very moving” explained Dr Sutton. “You are holding someone’s loves, hates, memories – every aspect of that person’s life.”

Dr Sutton then moved on to talk about the brain’s growth and development, and some rare but interesting cases of what can happen if this does not go correctly. “The fact that we have all developed to be sitting here all in one piece is incredible!”

Finally, it was time for the sheep brain dissection. The students were able to gain valuable real-life insight into the brain, and see in person what they have been studying in class. Together, Dr Sutton and students spoke about each part of the brain, and the effects that things such as drugs can have on the brain.

Dr Sutton’s talks are always engaging, enthusiastic and informative, and today was certainly no exception! His passion for studying the brain showed throughout, and incredibly inspiring for our students.