Ashford School goes to CERN

Twenty-five physicists have enjoyed a superb visit to the Swiss-Franco border where they had the chance to tour CERN.

It was a 4.30am start for the group as they left school, but one that was well worth it, resulting in a trip that really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The students enjoyed lunch in the CERN cafeteria, rubbing shoulders with the people pushing back the boundaries of science.

"We believe in bringing learning to life," said Physics Teacher, Mike Stoddart. "This trip is truly inspiring for our students and has left them with a huge smile on their faces."

The group enjoyed a lecture, film, a tour of the ATLAS control centre and a visit to the cryogenic and vacuum testing facility for the Large Hadron Collider.

While staying in Geneva, they also found time for a trip to the Natural History Museum, a mouette trip across Lac Leman and a shopping trip to the Old Town. They even rose at 6.30am for some fresh Swiss air and a cycle ride along the banks of Lac Leman.