Mayfield girls strike gold

A team of Lower Sixth pupils from Mayfield School have received a coveted Gold Award for their experimental project work in this year’s British Physics Olympiad competition, placing them in the top four nationally.

The girls’ inventive project simulated asteroids hitting the surface of the moon by using 3D printed spheres as asteroids and flour to act as the moon's surface. Lower Sixth pupil Megan explains: “By 3D printing our own spheres, we could easily change variables such as the density or radius of the asteroid, as well as the height at which it was dropped from, allowing us to simulate many different scenarios which may occur in real life.”

Their innovative techniques impressed the judging panel and landed them the Gold Award. Last week Megan, Evangeline and Elizabeth travelled to the Royal Society in London to receive their award.

Megan said: "I found the experience incredibly valuable and enjoyed the opportunity to produce an extended report based on research I had conducted in a student-led team. I learnt a lot about different experimental techniques and developed problem-solving skills, both of which are essential for development as a scientist. The experience helped me to confirm my aspirations of studying an experimental subject at university and moving on to a career in research."

Dr Darragh Corvan, Head of Physics at Mayfield, said: “I am delighted by the girls' achievements. They have worked so hard and came up with creative solutions to the problems they were faced with. It is a real testimony to what curiosity and engagement with Physics and STEM can achieve.