University Of Cambridge Trip

On Thursday, the 23rd of May 2019, a group of 11 students from Year 9 went on a trip to the University of Cambridge. Upon arrival, we visited Magdalene College where our guide talked us through the history of the college and its chapel, the Great Hall and the student accommodation. He also explained to us the essential parts of learning as a student at Cambridge University. After that, we visited the Cavendish Laboratory and the session began with an introduction to the undergraduate programme of study in Natural Science, which included subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Computer Science.

During our break, we met a former student of Hatch End High School - Claire Malone - who is currently writing up her PhD thesis on particle physics; most of her research took place at Cern in Geneva were she was part of the ATLAS group using the Large Hadron Collider.

After lunch, we engaged in three problem solving tasks involving: Jenga, crane building and testing buoyancy of different materials. We worked collaboratively, sharing tips and ideas. After finishing the activities, we heard a lecture on types of light radiation from the surface of the Sun.

The visit concluded with a mini tour of the Cavendish Laboratory, and on display was research work of many physicists who were the recipients of the Noble Prize for Physics. Some of these included Lord Rutherford (structure of the Atom), J J Thompson (discoverer of the electron) and Watson and Crick (structure of DNA).

It was an educational day, enjoyed by all!

Rasha Abbas (9RPa)