Students at Longsands Academy, part of the Astrea Academy Trust, visited the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University recently to find out more about career opportunities through studying physics.
Forty five students in Year 10, aged 14 to 15, took part in a series of workshops and presentations, delivered by researchers from the university and industry professionals. Students found out about how astrophysics uses ground-based telescopes from around the world, explored flight mechanics with the Royal Navy and how intellectual property links to physics degrees. Young people were also told more about careers in electron microscopy and ion beam technology and the physics of stressing and breaking materials.
Christopher Armitage, Science Teacher at Longsands Academy, said:
“Our students thoroughly enjoyed this trip to the University of Cambridge. Researchers and representatives from industry provided fantastic insights into how physics is used in cutting-edge research and in a wide range of careers. Students even had the opportunity to apply for work experience placements.”
Umara Qureshi, Principal of Longsands Academy said:
“This was an inspiring and informative event for our young people and I am delighted we could give this opportunity to students. I would like to thank the staff for encouraging so many physics students to attend, helping to inspire them with work experience opportunities and future career ideas in STEM subjects.”
The trip was provided to Longsands Academy by the University of Cambridge as part of their annual ‘Physics at Work Exhibition’ at the Cavendish Laboratory, designed to encourage the next generation of scientists.
