Students from A-Level Biology and Year 11 GCSE Biology are involved in an exciting Daffodil DNA Project, a ground-breaking initiative led by biology teacher Mrs Faria and supported by our amazing Biology Technician Mrs Meadley and Head Technician Ms Cusack.  The collaborative project also was supported by Dr Kelly, our STEM partner from Sellafield Ltd.  Funded by a Royal Society Partnership Grant and conducted in partnership with the University of Dundee and world-leading James Hutton Institute, the project gives students the opportunity to sequence DNA in the classroom and engage with cutting edge technology to discover DNA code that give rise to different daffodil flower colours, shapes and sizes. 

Twelve teams of students began by extracting and isolating DNA from two daffodil cultivars while learning the intricacies of running a professional research project. The teams assessed the DNA they had extracted using a Blue Gel Electrophoresis kit. The gels fluoresced under UV light when bound to DNA, revealing teams who had isolated the most DNA. The project funded new equipment for the Biology Department including micropipettes, a mini-PCR machine and microcentrifuge as well as a Nanopore Minion Kit.

A highlight of the project was when the Wordsworth House DNA from a 'Wordsworth Gold' daffodil was loaded into the Nanopore MinION by Dr Kelly and a group of talented Year 11 students. This marked the first attempt at sequencing the DNA, offering a unique opportunity for the students to engage university level protocols. Students are currently preparing results for a scientific poster to present to the Royal Society.

The students were further inspired by a talk from Dr Kelly, who shared insights into university pathways and careers in STEM. His presentation emphasised the relevance of the skills developed through the project, motivating students to pursue ambitious futures in science and biotechnology.

While the Daffodil DNA Project has exceptional Biological curriculum links, it is the potential for students to engage with research grade technology in the classroom and work with STEM scientists that sets this project apart. The DNA project showcases the power of collaboration between education and industry. It has helped advanced the students’ biological knowledge but also sparked curiosity and ambition for their futures in STEM fields.