Dunottar Student Studies Physics at Cambridge University

Out of 400 applicants across the UK who sat a gruelling maths and physics aptitude test Francesca was one of just seventy teenagers selected to tackle a residential Senior Physics Challenge (SPC).

The 5-day summer school programme, run by Cambridge University’s physics department, aims to demystify the subject and make the transition to university physics more accessible.

Francesca plans to study physics at university, and she commented: “I couldn’t believe it when I arrived at Corpus Christi College.  Like Dunottar, their crest is a pelican nurturing her young!

“I’m very grateful to Dr Sookhun, who suggested that I apply for the SPC,” she added.  “It was a fantastic opportunity that gave me an excellent insight into university-level physics.  I really enjoyed being there with like-minded people and also sharing maths jokes!”

Francesca, who is School Captain at Dunottar, is aiming to become a theoretical physicist.  She has begun the term with outstanding AS results, gaining full marks in nine out of the ten papers that she sat in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry.

Dunottar’s Head of Physics, Dr Satya Sookhun, commented: “An invitation to attend the SPC Summer School at Cambridge University is only offered to the best physicists and mathematicians of this country.  Knowing that one of our pupils was selected is an achievement that we can all be proud of.”