Extra Curricular

Clubs 

As with all the Sciences at Borlase, there is a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in STEM clubs and Societies with a Physics focus.  Our sixth form students run a wide array of physics societies including PhysSoc, AstroSoc and EngSoc.

Mr Manthorpe also runs a Greenpower Formula 24 society with the aim to race an electric go kart that we have built from scratch.

For younger years, our senior students run a Key Stage 3 Science club that focuses on all the sciences.  This provides the opportunity to try out a wider range of experiments than is possible in lesson time.  

Every year there are a range of Physics-themed projects entered into the STEM fayre.  The pictures to the right give a flavour of some of the entries.

Iceland

In 2025, the Physics Department launched its inaugural Iceland trip for Year 13 students during the February half term. It was an incredible opportunity for students to apply their physics knowledge in one of the most geologically and scientifically fascinating places on Earth. Students explored how the cooling of lava has shaped Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, trekked across a glacier to investigate ancient ice formations, and learned how electron excitation gives rise to the breathtaking Northern Lights. Other highlights included relaxing in the runoff water of one of Iceland’s geothermal power plants, witnessing towering waterfalls, and even making a stop outside the President of Iceland’s residence. The trip was a perfect chance for students to see physics in action and to deepen their appreciation of the natural wonders explained by science. We look forward to running it again next year - check out @borlasephysics on instagram to follow along.

Space Balloon

In 2015 a group of students along with Dr Couch, Mr Bagshaw and Dr Horne sent a weather balloon up to the edge of the atmosphere. The project took months to plan and assemble, but there was to be only one attempt  to launch the balloon. Fortunately the event was a huge success. The balloon achieved in capturing a series of images and video throughout its flight, along with information about windspeed, temperature and other atmospheric data.

Royal Navy Helicopter Visit

Following on from the sky, a year later Borlase were visited by the Royal Navy. The sports field turned into a temporary helicopter landing site. We were joined by _____ who greeted us with a touchdown and talk on his experience flying in the navy. There were opportunities to look inside the aircraft and ask questions. This lunchtime break was greatly enjoyed by the students and has been talked about many times since the visit.

Falcon Flight Simulator

From the roaring success of a Royal Navy officer visiting the school, a new appreciation of flying caught the eye of a number of students. A group of 40 students banded together to start an initiative in creating a fully fledge flight simulator, from scratch!

Huntsville Space Camp 2014

From 2014 Borlase took forty year 10 students who were fascinated with space exploration. The trip took place in Huntsville, Alabama where NASA have created a space camp teaching young students all about the functioning works of the space programmes. From creating and launching rockets to Mock EVA missions and simulating mission control, the jam packed week was an absolute storm.