Dr Simon Singh visits Exeter School

Popular science communicator Dr Simon Singh, MBE visited Exeter School on Monday 10 November to give a talk for 700 school children from across Exeter and beyond.

They were fascinated to hear how physics is involved in everything from the Big Bang to The Simpsons. Dr Singh told them how developments in physics have allowed us to understand our universe, as well as develop new technologies which we all rely on, such as smartphones. 

They discovered how studying the subject could lead to careers as diverse as creating Hollywood film animations or solving solutions to global problems like climate change down the road at the Met Office.

Head of Physics at Exeter School, Graham Bone, said: “It was fantastic to see so many potential future physicists enjoying an inspirational and engaging presentation from Dr Singh.

“It was an excellent launch pad for the Exeter and East Devon Ogden Physic Partnership, and we are all looking forward to other events and competitions in the future."

The pupils, aged between 14 and 18, were from the following schools: Colyton Grammar School; Dawlish Community College; Exeter College; Exeter School; Blundell’s School; The Maynard School; Kingsbridge Academy; St John's International School; Torquay Boys Grammar School; Stover School; Warminster School and St Cuthbert Mayne.

This event was organised by the Exeter and East Devon Ogden Trust ‘School Physics Partnership’ and also included the launch of the #LovePhysics Video Competition and details of the Exeter and East Devon Physics Awards 2015.  These are being organised by the Partnership to engage students in the area with science and enthuse them about physics in particular. 

Funded by the Ogden Trust, the Partnership will run a programme of events and activities in Exeter and East Devon over the next three years.  You can find out more by following them on Twitter @EED_Physics or emailing exeterandeastdevon@ogdentrust.com