Well done to the 23 students from our Lower Sixth who participated in the In2MedSchool Acceleration Programme’s Hackathon Competition at King’s College London, Guy’s Campus.

Five student teams from WHSB competed this term, covering the topics of insomnia, breathing, substance misuse in young people, oral cancer, and mental health. The WHSB team which focused on “Oral Cancer” (Leesa, Sammi, Noel, and Shavaiz) was placed third, while the team that worked on "Mental Health" (Naomi, Angelina, Varsha, and Alisha) placed second. Both teams received a trophy, and all team members were awarded certificates.

In2MedSchool is an award-winning registered charity that works with students, schools, and communities. Their Acceleration Programme (IAP), designed by doctors and medical students, is for applicants from state-funded schools across the UK who wish to study medicine and healthcare-related degrees.

The Hackathon is the IAP’s annual competition, where students spend six weeks working in small groups to identify a lifestyle medical issue in their local area. They conduct research with the aim of creating a lifestyle intervention unique to their local community. The culmination of this student-led project was a 10-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A, delivered to doctors and medical students at King's College London.

We are proud of all our entrants and congratulate the two teams placed second and third overall - an outstanding achievement that highlights on the national stage the talent and creativity within our School community. With our thanks to Mrs Lo-Whitford, Higher Education Team Leader and Higher Education Adviser for Medicine, Dentistry & Veterinary, for facilitating the School's entry into the competition, and to Mr Jones who assisted with the trip.