On Tuesday 29th the whole of Year II accompanied by members of the science department left the school early in the morning to travel to Alton Towers. At the theme park students (and staff) had a fantastic time going on rides all in the name of physics. Behind the day of fun at the theme park was a practical lesson in physics: girls will be using the trip as inspiration for a section of work look at calculating the speeds, kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy as well as looking at the size and construction of the rides.

Here is Josie Comerford's take on the day:

Year II Trip to Alton Towers

On Tuesday 29^th April, all of Year II had the opportunity to go to Alton Towers, for a Physics trip. Not much Physics was done that day but a lot of enjoyment was taken from it. Even though we were not happy about leaving early in the morning and the long bus drive to get there, our hearts rose when we got to stop for a quick pit stop. We got there at around 10 o’clock. Raring to get of the hot and sweaty bus, we raced to the entrance. “Hold your horses!” shouted Dr Percival. We stopped.

Once we were allowed to proceed through the gates we got divided into two groups. One group raced over to Oblivion while the other almost galloped over to the sky rail. Air and Nemesis were a big hit, with the park like a ghost town we raced through the rides maybe going on them once or twice. The haunted house WAS a ghost town. Zombies and spiders scared us to shivers. Lunch took our minds off that. What joy! Buffet! Eat as much as you want! We were all so shocked. Once our empty tummies were fed we wanted some water- off to the fast and furious rapids. Some may have got wet, while others came prepared with waterproofs. That wasn’t enough though. Next stop: the flume! Twice round we went as once was not good enough. Sky rail time again! We took some time to get to Rita Queen of Speed but that was over within seconds. 13 may have been a daring task for some while others jumped into the occasion. Spinning chairs took someone’s shoe of, but people watching clambered into bushes to receive it. Oblivion was the next big challenge, the last ride of the day. A few of the group chickened out and laughed at the rest of the group. Sadly we could not go again. We walked back to the coach after a tiresome day. Sitting in the coach, which seemed like hours, before the other group came back dripping wet. A quick change before setting back off to school. We never knew that Physics would be so much fun!

On the behalf of Year II, I would like to thank Dr Percival, Mrs Thomas, Mr Lightfoot and Miss Ormrod.

By Josie Comerford (Year II)