Friday 18 July 2014 Less than a year into sixth form, Adam Bush from The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), had set up a Physics Society, entered the Physics Olympiad and earned the Gold CREST award of the British Science Association. This dedication to his subject has now been recognised with the award of Schools’ Physicist of the Year, an honour presented by science education charity The Ogden Trust. Adam was among 18 Year 12 students from schools across Yorkshire nominated by their teachers for the award, which The Ogden Trust introduced to recognise students who are engaged in the classroom, expanding their own understanding and empowering their peers to achieve success in the study of physics. Tom Rogerson, head of physics at GSAL, nominated Adam for the award. He said: “Adam is always seeking a little more knowledge than is in the AS-level course, discussing topics with staff and researching independently. He realised that such learning beyond the curriculum would be more effective and better for others if there was a permanent physics society at school so he set one up. It’s open to all, giving anyone with a passion for physics the opportunity to explore beyond the realms of the school syllabus. “Adam is also very keen to get practical uses out of his physics and he enthusiastic embraced a challenge I gave him and his peers to solve for the Gold CREST award. I asked the team to project manage, design and evaluate a feasible scale model of the solar system with the sun and planets in position as on a specific date, and he worked superbly as part of a team.” Adam said: “Physics is for me the most interesting, expansive and enjoyable area of study; I feel I’ve hardly scratched the surface and am eager to learn more. I’m proud to receive this award and the highlight of the ceremony for me was meeting eminent physicists and like-minded students.” The inaugural Schools’ Physicist of the Year awards ceremony took place at the Centenary Gallery in the Parkinson Building, University of Leeds. Adam received his award from Tim Simmons, chief executive officer of The Ogden Trust. Representing the university’s School of Physics and Astronomy was head of school Professor Tom Hartquist, and the special guest speaker was Dr Georgina Wilkins, physicist and patent lawyer. Image by Chris Jones Photography General Sixth Form News
