17th – 19th February 2025
During the half-term break, a group of enthusiastic students from Years 11, 12, and 13 embarked on an exciting journey to Geneva, Switzerland. Their goal was to explore the incredible work carried out by scientists at CERN and to gain a deeper understanding of global diplomacy at the United Nations Office in Geneva. The aim was to follow the intricate journey taken by scientists to uncover what the universe is made of and how it works.
Exploring CERN – The Heart of Particle Physics
At CERN, students had the unique opportunity to witness ground breaking scientific research at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)—the world’s most powerful particle accelerator. They participated in a guided tour led by a CERN scientist who detailed the journey of protons, from their extraction from hydrogen gas to their acceleration and collision, creating new particles detected using advanced instruments.
The immersive experience continued at the CERN Gateway, where students engaged with interactive multimedia exhibits, hands-on lab workshops, and fascinating science shows. The day concluded with a traditional Swiss meal, featuring cheese fondue and folkloric music, providing a cultural highlight to their scientific adventure.
Student Reflections
Cooper, Year 11:
“Visiting CERN was an incredible experience! The interactive museum helped me understand the complex physics behind the collider, and learning from an ex-physicist was truly inspiring. Seeing the ALICE experiment first hand expanded my knowledge beyond what I had learned in class.”Harry, Year 11:
“Before our guided tour, we explored CERN through engaging games and simulations, even pretending to be an electron! Seeing the ALICE experiment was a fascinating experience, and I learned about new particles like muons, which I hadn’t heard of before.”Anant, Year 11:
“The highlight of the trip for me was standing above the ALICE experiment, knowing that right beneath me, physicists were colliding lead nuclei to study Quark-Gluon Plasma. It was a surreal experience!”
A Visit to the United Nations – Witnessing Global Diplomacy
The following day, students took part in a guided tour of the United Nations Office in Geneva, where they explored the crucial role the UN plays in maintaining international peace and security, disarmament, and human rights advocacy. A highlight of the visit was the opportunity to sit in on a live public debate on human rights, witnessing international diplomacy in action. They also toured state-of-the-art conference rooms, gaining insight into the daily operations of world leaders and policymakers.
Student Insights
Cooper, Year 11:
“Visiting the UN Palace was a fantastic experience! Seeing famous conference rooms and watching a real debate made me appreciate the role of global cooperation.”Harry, Year 11:
“Walking through the halls of the UN felt surreal—it was like stepping into the heart of world affairs. The live debate on human rights was a particular highlight for me.”
The trip provided students with a full-circle experience—from exploring the smallest building blocks of our universe at CERN to understanding global efforts in diplomacy and peacekeeping at the UN.
A special thank you to Mrs Suraweera and Mr Shuttleworth for taking students on this unforgettable experience, which has left students inspired by both the wonders of physics and the power of international cooperation.
