The atmosphere was electric - quite literally - in the senior school Physics labs when 34 Year 2 children came to learn more about motors, with the experienced hands of Year 12 and their teachers to help them. Buzzing with excitement, the sparky pre-prep children showed a degree of knowledge and understanding that had the sixth formers humming.

‘Circuits’, ‘electrons’ – the words tripped easily off their tongues and the six and seven year olds seized every opportunity to explore what motors can do with relish. They were operating remote control cranes, powering fans, lifting weights. According to Year 12 Thamasha, the children loved the remote control dragon, with its reverse circuits and its appetite for little fingers! Sophie, Freddie and Jenny were impressed by the speed with which the children connected and disconnected circuits, and grasped the concepts of series and parallels. Sophie said her group couldn’t get enough of the colour wheel and had to be prised away. Jenny‘s group hugged her at the end, while Freddie found ways to stop the squabbling in hers! The thank you card said it all.

The Year 2 teachers were delighted to be working in real laboratories to demonstrate the principles of electric motors. A great collaboration. Positive lessons learnt all round.

Thanks to pre-prep teachers Mrs Argent and Miss Moore and Physics teacher Mr Hicklenton for co-ordinating the day, and to Year 2 and the Year 12 physicists for embracing it so enthusiastically.