Trips

JET Nuclear Fusion Project, Oxford

On 17th June, our Lower Sixth physics students visited the Joint European Torus (JET) facility in Oxford. This is the UK’s main site for nuclear fusion energy, where two isotopes of hydrogen are forced together at high temperatures to produce a helium nucleus and a neutron. This process creates huge amounts of energy per kilogramme of fuel used, and due to the low risk nature of the reactants and products, is an exciting field of research for scientists looking to reduce our carbon footprint for a more sustainable future. Students arrived in the morning to attend a lecture on the physics behind nuclear fusion and then proceeded to have a tour of the site. Along the way they saw: the robotics control room, where employees were using a robot to move and change the inside of the fusion facility; the assembly room, where all reactions were being initiated and controlled; and the hall where the fusion torus is contained. Pupils also had the opportunity to observe a ‘pulse’, seen as a pink glow in the torus during a fusion test! These students will go on to learn more about fission and fusion next academic year - they have certainly whet their appetite for this topic!

Rebecca Luker

Third Form Camp

Year 9 enjoyed three days away at the end of term at the Ultimate Adventure Centre in Bideford, Devon. We spent a day coasteering and surfing at Croyde beach, as well as participating in a number of their onsite activities, such as the ultimate assault course, high ropes challenge, archery and rifle shooting. This was a well deserved end of exams break and a great way to end a busy year!

Sophie Cuesta

Psychology trip to Bristol University

The whole psychology cohort visited Bristol University on 30th November for a day of interactive activities aimed at increasing student awareness of various areas of psychology. Sessions included a lecture on the psychology of dance by a professional ballet dancer as well the psychology of magic by a professional magician. By far the most interesting session was given by Andrew Newton, one of the world’s leading authorities on hypnosis. Andrew gave a fascinating talk on the power of hypnosis before hypnotising a group of volunteers from the audience, including several Clifton College students!

Max Ernest-Jones

Eton and Wimbledon

Mrs and Mr Wagstaff took the school tennis team on a great trip to play matches at Eton and also watch tennis matches at Wimbledon. Playing at Eton against schools from across the country was an amazing experience and everyone enjoyed the competition. (see p.111 for details). The following morning, we were off to Wimbledon and it was incredible. We got to see so many amazing players and some very competitive and close matches.

Everyone loved it, and we got the full experience, watching Nadal on the hill, mixed doubles, and men’s and women’s singles. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and the experience was amazing. The whole trip was great fun and we all learnt a lot, not only from playing in our own matches at Eton, but also from watching the professionals at Wimbledon. Thank you to Mr Wagstaff for driving us and to Mrs Wagstaff who is a fantastic tennis coach.

Sophie Houghton (HLH)