News

18 January 2019

Science and The Simpsons: Simon Singh speaks at John Lyon Union

The Science of The Simpsons was the Friday afternoon focus for students as Simon Singh MBE addressed John Lyon Union.

The popular theoretical and particle physicist and author came to School on Friday 18th January to give boys from Year 11 to Upper Sixth a whistle-stop review of the many books he has written over the past two decades.

Entitled From Theorems to Serums, From Cryptology to Cosmology … and The Simpsons, Dr Singh’s talk discussed his works Fermat’s Last Theorem, looking at one of the biggest mathematical puzzles of the millennium; The Code Book, focusing on the secrets of cryptology; Big Bang, exploring the history of cosmology; Trick or Treatment, asking some hard questions about alternative medicine; and The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets, delving into the world of the most popular TV show on earth.

Focusing on the Mathematics of Fermat and the number of eminent mathematicians who had turned comedy writers on The Simpsons, Dr Singh talked about how those involved in maths approach solutions to problems in different way, and highlighted the passion that many mathematicians have for their subject that may not be noticed by those outside the field.


Dr Simon Singh was talking at John Lyon Union, a Friday afternoon lecture for students in Year 11 to Upper Sixth which takes place every week during term time.

Union sees external speakers  and John Lyon teachers address boys on a huge variety of subjects, allowing them to engage with subjects and ideas beyond the curriculum.

Upcoming speakers
Professor Dan Stone
, Professor of Modern History and Director of the Holocaust Research Institute, Royal Holloway University of London
Katja Hall, Director of Corporate Affairs, Capita; former Deputy Director, Confederation of British Industry
Sophie Hannah, poet and novelist
Ceri Morris, Development Manager, Young Harrow Foundation
Dr Lynne Guyton, CEO, John Lyon’s Charity
Suraj Sodha, entrepreneur and international speaker


John Lyon is an independent school, a member of HMCISC and is reviewed in the Good Schools Guide.

Pupils typically join John Lyon in Years 7, 9 and 12, largely from a North West London catchment area including Harrow, Wembley, Stanmore, Pinner, Watford, Rickmansworth, Northwood, Ruislip, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Ickenham, Northolt, Southall, Ealing, Acton, Edgware, Brent Cross, Finchley, Barnet, Camden, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, as well as other parts of Middlesex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

See forthcoming open events, concerts and exhibitions on our What’s On page.