Departmental News
Our Physics correspondent, Ethan Szeto, caught up with Mr Balfour to catch up about the latest news in the department.
Ethan: Can you tell us what has been happening in the Physics department recently?
Mr Balfour: We've been participating in the S5-S6 Olympiad, which is run by Oxford. It involves very advanced problems for students who have done well in the prelims. Additionally, we are looking forward to the S5 Scottish Space School 2025 trip at the University of Strathclyde this June. There are 100 places available for a weeklong visit where students can learn about engineering, NASA, and even meet an astronaut.
Ethan: That's quite exciting! What kind of trips do you organize in the Physics department?
Mr Balfour: For our S3 students, there's a day trip to the Torres Nuclear Power Station in Dunbar. They get to tour the nuclear power station, see the reactor, turbines, and the whole process. This trip is mainly run by Mrs. Mathers and Miss McDonald. Our S6 students attend a Particle Physics Master Class at Glasgow University to learn about particle physics.
Ethan: Do you use any social media to keep students and parents informed?
Mr Balfour: Absolutely! Our Physics Instagram account is very active, posting weekly if not daily videos of what happens in our lessons.
Ethan: Are there any Physics clubs or drop-ins running?
Mr Balfour: We have drop-in sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additionally, there's an Olympiad Club every Friday.
Ethan: What is the Physics department focusing on right now?
Mr Balfour: Currently, we are finishing courses. Our S4 students are learning about space, while our S5 students are learning about semiconductors and how electronics work.
Ethan: Can you recommend any good books for students interested in physics?
Mr Balfour: For younger students, I recommend "What If?" by Randall Munroe. For older students, "Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand" by Marcus Chown is a great read.