14 sixth form students were welcomed to the department by Ally Caldecote (Outreach Officer) to give the students the chance to find out what university physics is all about and to consider their post A-level choices.

The visit was aimed to raise aspirations, find out about university, what it’s like to be an undergraduate and what it’s like to study physics.

The students spent the day doing real-life experiments in the department with guidance and advice from various colleagues. Their day began with an introductory session led by Ally, followed by a session on ultrasound hosted by Professor Steve Dixon and Dr Elizabeth Sharp, where they located defects in aluminium blocks and learned about the importance of non-destructive testing in the real world.

The afternoon consisted of a solar physics session led by Dr Anne-Marie Broomhall where students had the opportunity to view the sun in different wavelengths and discover how different features became visible.

Ally says:

“I’m so grateful to colleagues for giving their time and enthusiasm to deliver these workshops. It’s great for visiting students to meet academics, but also researchers, and students because it helps them see the bigger picture of what we do. The teachers also go away with a better insight into what happens in the department which in turn allows them to advise students considering their future choices.”

If you are interested in visiting the department as an outreach visit, or would like someone to come and talk to a group, please contact Ally Caldecote.