Year 10 student Danielle Holmes from Oasis Academy Coulsdon dreams of becoming a marine biologist, so when it came to sorting out her work experience placement she asked her mentor Dr David Morritt from Royal Holloway University of London for advice.

With his assistance she contacted the Natural History Museum who were delighted to offer her a week’s placement. Danielle had a brilliant week as she describes below:

“On my first day, I was shown ‘behind the scenes’ at the museum and went into a tank room where there was a giant squid that was found over a 100 years ago, and some of Darwin’s discoveries, (both are not currently on show to the public). Then we went down to the Chelsea Embankment near the Thames, and looked for Chinese Mitten Crabs (which are an invasive species) and I also saw a few eels. These crabs are threatening the marine life in the Thames, and marine biologists are trying to find ways of preventing this.

“On Tuesday I went further up the Thames (near Kew Bridge), where we searched for more Mitten Crabs and eels, we found less (which is actually a good thing), but I did see a lot more snails. On the third day, we went further down the Thames (to Woolwich, Erith, Greenhithe, Gravesend) and I helped with an under graduate project, by taking pictures, looking for and collecting barnacles and seaweed. On the other days, I helped the same professors and under graduates by going to Canvey Island and Erith again, to collect some Mitten Crabs, and taking pictures.

“This brilliant experience has definitely pointed me in the right direction to pursue my career as a marine biologist. I was so sad when it was near the end of week; I wanted it to go on a lot longer. I have to say a big thank you to Dr David Morritt from the Royal Holloway, University of London for this great experience, which is definitely going to help with my career as a marine biologist and my application for university.”

Andy Booth, Principal of Oasis Academy Coulsdon said: “Danielle had an amazing week, as did many others in her year group in their respective placements. We would like to thank all employers who have given our students a real insight into their businesses over the past two weeks”.