Psychology Brain Day
On Tuesday 7 July 2026, Year 12 Biology and Psychology students at Ripley Sixth Form took a thrilling journey into the human mind, courtesy of a very special guest. We were incredibly privileged to host Dr Guy Sutton, Director of Medical Biology Interactive and Honorary Consultant Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham Medical School.
Dr Sutton is an internationally renowned lecturer and educator in neuroscience whose interests span brain development, neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and the intricate relationships between genetics, biology and behaviour. Dr Sutton brought his expertise in brain development, genetics and behaviour right into the Phythian.
Psychology and Biology A Level students got a front-row seat to the future of science. Dr Sutton demonstrated how improvements in brain-scanning technology can now literally read what a person is imagining simply by analysing brain activity. His lecture also introduced students to the gripping world of neurolaw, showing how brain damage is being used as a legal defence in real-world criminal courtrooms.
The highlight of the day was a live dissection of a sheep’s brain. Students did not just watch; they had the rare, hands-on opportunity to touch the brain and locate key structures such as the cerebellum, corpus callosum and hippocampus. It was an unforgettable and immersive experience that left everyone inspired by the complexity and adaptability of the brain, and by the similarities in brain structures across the animal kingdom.
Mr Vernon, representing the Psychology Department, said: “We’re always delighted to welcome Dr Sutton back to Ripley. Providing our students with a spellbinding lecture on cutting-edge neuroscience and giving them hands-on experience of a brain dissection helps bring the A Level specification to life. They always feel lucky to be in the presence of such a talented and knowledgeable speaker, and our students invariably have fascinating questions for him about the nature of the brain.”
Sixth Form Senior Student Alicia Bowyer, who studies A Level Biology, really enjoyed the session and found it extremely beneficial. She said: “I’ve never experienced a lecture like it. Dr Sutton made neuroscience feel so relevant and inspiring; it’s one of the best experiences I’ve had this year. Holding the brain during the dissection was fantastic. It’s definitely inspired me for the future!”
