A group of sixth-form students have returned from a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the world’s leading centre for particle physics.
Twenty-five Year 12 pupils from Mayfield School, in Dagenham, spent two days at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva, where they explored the facility and learned about cutting-edge developments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
The trip, led by head of science Sevdie Ali, physics teacher Yasemin Isik and Mr Kevin Londono, was described as an exceptional educational experience that brought classroom learning to life.
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Mrs Ali said: "At Mayfield School, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. This visit to CERN gave our students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience science at the highest level, meet world-leading researchers and see how international collaboration is changing our understanding of the universe.
"Experiences like these raise aspirations, inspire ambition and encourage young people to believe that they, too, can contribute to the scientific discoveries of the future."
During their visit, students toured the ATLAS Experiment, one of the world’s largest scientific instruments, located around 100 metres underground. They also learned how the detector is used to study high-energy collisions and search for new particles that could change our understanding of the universe.
The group also visited the CERN Data Centre, where vast amounts of experimental data are processed using advanced computing systems. In addition to the science programme, students were able to explore Geneva and enjoy its cultural highlights.
They took part in scenic boat trips on Lake Geneva, visited the city’s jet fountain and botanical gardens, and experienced life in one of Europe’s most international cities.
Students said the experience was inspiring, helping them see how classroom concepts like particle physics, forces and the Standard Model connect to real-world research and technology.
The trip is part of Mayfield School’s wider commitment to offering enrichment activities that broaden students’ horizons and encourage them to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology. For many, the visit reinforced their ambition to study STEM subjects at university and beyond.
On their return to London, the students brought back not only memories and photographs, but a renewed passion for learning and the inspiration to help shape the future of scientific discovery.
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