Together with several other schools, including Holbeton Primary School, they joined solar experts and engineers on location at Creacombe Solar Farm, which is located in Devon, between Holbeton and Yealmpton. 

The two founders and directors of the Exeter Science Centre are, Dr Natalie Whitehead, a former engineer designing buildings, turned physicist (PhD in Physics, magnetic materials) and Dr Alice Mills who has a PhD in astrophysics and was a former Outreach Officer at the University of Exeter.  

The students were introduced to the site and the team, and then given some information about solar panels.  They were also informed about the engineering challenges of making a solar farm, and learnt about research into future solar panels.

Richard Barry, Head of Physics, said, “The students enjoyed learning about solar panels, and hearing from the engineers and scientists who work on different aspects of providing renewable electricity.  During the session the class had to experiment with mini-solar panels in small groups to discover the best angle and compass direction to point the panels to be most efficient.  After the session we sent in several excellent questions from the class, and the engineers have replied – please see the table below.”  

Year 7 Q & A session -