Fusion or Fission - King Alfred's College visit Harwell
November 4, 2009
Following the success of a school visit earlier this year a group of 12 pupils from King Alfred’s College, Wantage visited the Harwell Science and Innovation Centre for a presentation on Fusion and Fission. The day began with a tour of Dido, a redundant material testing reactor awaiting final stage decommissioning on the Harwell nuclear licensed site. Ed Abel, RSRL gave a fascinating insight into the world of reactors and the work undertaken at Harwell in the build up of civil nuclear energy.
After the tour the pupils enjoyed an engaging lecture by Kate Lancaster from the Science and Technology Facilities Council on fusion followed by an interesting talk on fission by Paul Atyeo, RSRL. Following the presentations the discerning visitors enjoyed an excellent practical session with Lorna Proctor, Nuvia. Science teacher, Mathew Dempsey, and Victoria Griffiths, PGCE student, from King Alfred’s College commented, "What a fantastic experience! These students have been learning about radiation and the nuclear industry in lessons so to be able to visit and see the DIDO reactor, and to hear from experts in their field, will cement the students learning and give them a real insight into the jobs available in the industry”.
And the answer by a small majority was………………fusion!
For more information please contact Lesley Cox, RSRL Communications
