A group of L6 Biology pupils spent the day working in the laboratories of the Earlham Institute to extract and analyse DNA samples from plants as part of the 'Barcoding the Broads' project.

The project aims to map the genetic diversity of plant and insect species across the Norfolk Broads. Data is then integrated into the nationwide Darwin Tree of Life project.

Pupils attending the workshop were able to use techniques not widely in school science laboratories; including DNA extraction, PCR amplification and Gel Electrophoresis prior to DNA sequencing. These pupils will now become ambassadors at Norwich School as the Biology Department moves towards becoming a local hub for the Barcoding the Broads project.

Norwich School's Head of Biology, Mr Wilson, is grateful to Dr Sam Rowe from the Earlham Institute for leading such a high quality and inspiring workshop and looks forward to furthering a successful collaboration in the future.