Year 11 Students Dive Into Physics at Thorpe Park on Science Department Trip

100 students from The Royal Harbour Academy had the opportunity to combine fun and learning during an exciting Year 11 trip to Thorpe Park, organised by the Science Department. The trip, which took place on 20th September, was designed to deepen students’ understanding of physics concepts, particularly forces and energy, through the lens of roller coaster design.

Students had spent the previous lessons looking at forces and studying Newtons Laws of motion. A trip to Thorpe Park was an excellent opportunity to see the Laws in action, not to mention ideas of terminal velocity and momentum. 

 Upon arrival, students had the opportunity to explore the park and apply their knowledge firsthand. Whether experiencing the high-speed loops of Stealth, the freefall drop of The Swarm, or the sharp turns of Colossus, students used their newly gained understanding of forces to analyse how energy is transferred and conserved during each ride. The trip turned Thorpe Park’s famous attractions into real-life physics lessons, offering a unique and interactive way to engage with the subject.

Susan Holland, Subject Leader for Science, explained, “This trip was a great way to bring the principles of physics to life. By experiencing the rides firsthand, students could connect the theory they’ve learned in class with real-world applications, making the learning process more memorable and engaging.”

Students also reflected positively on the day, with one commenting, “It was amazing to feel the forces we’ve learned about in action. The rides are even more exciting when you know how they work!” Another added, “The workshop really helped me understand how engineers use science to make roller coasters not just fun, but safe.”

The Year 11 trip to Thorpe Park was a perfect example of The Royal Harbour Academy’s commitment to experiential learning, giving students a chance to see how scientific concepts apply to everyday experiences. It provided an invaluable educational opportunity while allowing students to enjoy the thrill of one of the UK’s most popular theme parks.