STUDENTS at a Thornbury school joined a select band of other schools across the UK to learn about the potential of real-world applications of physics.

The Roadshow organised by, BAE Systems and the RAF, came to The Castle School after research carried out by the two organisations showed that British children would rather have a science career than be famous.

They found that just three per cent of children want to be on TV compared with 44 per cent who want to pursue science-based careers including a computer game designer (15 per cent), a scientist (12 per cent) and a pilot (six per cent).

All students in Years 7 and 8 were challenged about young people’s perceptions of physics and how it relates to the real world.

The Roadshow had an Olympic theme with a live theatre performance examining how physics led to medal-winning performances by Team GB athletes.

Students enjoyed the performance and took part in interactive sessions, with the aim of inspiring them to learn more about how school subjects, and specifically physics, play an active role in the world around them.

This year the Roadshow was launched by TV personality Laura Hamilton, star of The Jump and Dancing On Ice.

The Roadshow will be visiting over 240 schools and engaging over 50,000 young people in total.

Since it was founded in 2005 the Roadshow has benefitted 170,000 primary and secondary school students with many going on to seek careers in science and engineering.

Steve Edwards, a teacher at Castle School said: “This is a real treat for the school and being able to show students the positives of science and how BAE Systems are using the latest Science techniques to support our national Olympic team to be the best they can be at Rio in 2016 is fascinating.”

Nigel Whitehead, group managing director at BAE Systems said: “Quite simply the UK needs more people to study physics. We’ve got to do more to link up the most exciting careers – like being a pilot – with physics.

“The subject opens up opportunities to so many careers but there is no doubt that it does get difficult. This is where industry and organisations like the Royal Air Force can help teachers show the application of physics in the real-world and encourage young people to keep studying.”

Group captain Mark Heffron at RAF, added: “The Royal Air Force encourages young people who are STEM competent and is keen on them looking to us in terms of a possible career.”