Physics Masterclass at Oxford

Year 10 students, Cosima, Chloe and Lucia, who recently gained Gold Awards in the Physics Challenge, were invited to the University of Oxford for a day of workshops and talks at the Department of Physics. Lucia writes about their day.

“We arrived early in the morning where we joined a group of around 20 students from all over the country. In our first activity we worked in small groups to solve difficult Physics problems on all aspects of the subject ranging from buoyancy and electricity, to what happens to water levels when ice melts in different situations. We then took part in a practical experiment investigating the density of helium using balloons – our prediction at the start turned out to be correct! After an excellent lunch, the activities started again. We first had a series of flash talks where PhD students presented their research about astrophysics and topological materials. I couldn’t begin to explain the latter to you, but they still gave us great insight into Physics research at university.

The day finished with a couple of talks about studying Physics further, from careers in the discipline to admissions to Oxford University, which included a mock interview with a student. It was a brilliant day, getting to know other students who are similarly passionate about the subject, learning more about advanced Physics research and experimenting and answering questions for ourselves. We even had the chance to experience some of the best things Oxford has to offer as a city, grabbing an ice cream from George and Davis’ in the sun on the way back to the station.”

This was the first year of the Year 10 Physics Challenge, run by the Unviersity of Oxford – and all of our students who entered the competition received awards. As well as our trio of Gold Award winners, Sydney and Emily received Silver Awards while Cassandra, Clotilde and Haye were awarded Bronze certificates – congratulations to all.