Physics Competition Success

The HGS Physics department is celebrating the success of students in national competitions in the past month.

The Eurekas is an annual physics competition for students aged 11-16 in the United Kingdom and Ireland and has been conceived by the Institute of Physics to broaden and diversify the range of people doing physics after age 16. This year the challenge was to create a project to answer the question “Can Physics help us solve mysteries?”.

Both of our winners concentrated on methods to solve the mysteries of astrophysics and cosmology. Finn McDougall, Year 10, created an orbit simulation program that rivals much of the software used by the Physics department in lessons, and this won the 15-Year-Old Age Category prize. Eeshan Upasani looked at the physical aspects of astronomy and designed a DIY telescope, which won him the 14-Year-Old Age Category. Both students won a cash prize of £1000, as well as £250 each for the school.

Several Year 7 students entered the nationwide Wonderverse Energytown Competition. Students were asked to create a plan to generate power for future cities. Zoha Khan’s plan using hydrogen fuel, nuclear power and a flywheel storage system, won her the runner prize, earning her a tablet computer and a £1000 sustainability grant for the school.

These awards are a testament to the creativity, hard work, and dedication of our students. Flynn, Eeshan, and Zoha have demonstrated exceptional talent and a commitment to making a difference in the world through science and innovation. We are incredibly proud of their success and excited to see how they will continue to inspire and lead in the future.

These accomplishments highlight the Physics department’s commitment to fostering an environment of academic excellence, innovation and creativity. The department will continue to support and encourage students in their pursuit of scientific exploration and discovery.