Day’s event aims to increase interest in world of physics

SCORES of children from across the North of England were given an illuminating insight into the world of physics at one of Yorkshire’s leading independent schools.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jun 2011, 11:57 BST

More than 130 children aged 12 and 13 from as far afield as Leeds, Hull, Newcastle and Bury were at St Peter’s School in York yesterday for the Physics Olympics event.

The science subject has seen a resurgence through the efforts of celebrity physicist Professor Brian Cox, who presented the hit television shows Wonders of the Solar System and Wonders of the Universe.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But there still remains concern about the number of students signing up for degrees in science subjects at university.

St Peter’s School’s headteacher Leo Winkley said: “The decline in pupils taking science subjects at A-level and at university is an issue for education and the UK, so making these subjects more exciting and relevant at a younger age is vitally important. Events such as the St Peter’s Physics Olympics are designed to show the application of physics and are hopefully a day to remember for all those who take part.”

A team of four pupils from each school competed in games involving practical skills and mathematical knowledge, such as building a boat to support the biggest weight or calculating the mass of a toy duck.

Related topics:NorthEnglandYorkshireNewcastleHullYork