Physics students wing their way to success

Recently Collyer’s held the grand final of its very own glider competition. Thirty six teams of AS level Physics students took part in the event, which has spanned the summer term. The sports Hall was filled with finalists who presented their designs to Alex McMillan, a pilot with Thomas Cook.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jul 2015, 13:57 BST
Pilot Alex McMillan presents first prize to Ben Fidling and Connagh Launchbury. SUS-150907-125559001Pilot Alex McMillan presents first prize to Ben Fidling and Connagh Launchbury. SUS-150907-125559001
Pilot Alex McMillan presents first prize to Ben Fidling and Connagh Launchbury. SUS-150907-125559001

Physics teacher and competition organiser, Matt Horncastle explained: “Students were given the task of designing and building a glider that has the best range and accuracy possible. They were given basic materials and asked to do their own research to decide how to make the most aerodynamic glider.”

The gliders were marked out of ten for how well they flew and the groups also had to present their designs to each of the judges.

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Matt Horncastle added: “We’re hugely grateful to Alex McMillan for taking time out to support us today. The students were thrilled that he could be here.”

Collyer’s Head of Faculty for Mathematics and Science, Joe Brock was delighted: “The groups demonstrated analytical zeal when studying their flight data information, which certainly focussed minds on the need for incremental development.”

The competition was tough with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place all coming within a few decimal places of each other! However, students Connagh Launchbury, Ben Fidling and Hennes Vermeer pipped the other teams to the post with a brilliant design. The proud winners were then thrilled to be awarded with a remote-controlled quad-copter!

Joe Brock added: “This is a great competition that Matt has set up, as it gives the students the opportunity to develop practical and presentational skills.”

Pilot Alex McMillan is pictured presenting first prize to Ben Fidling and Connagh Launchbury.

Report and picture contributed by Collyer’s.

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