European Science Tour: AJourney of Discovery Across Europe
An unforgettable experience in Paris, Geneva, Bern, Zurich, and Munich
The European Science Tour this year was nothing short of extraordinary. Spanning five cities—Paris, Geneva, Bern, Zurich, and Munich—the trip offered our students a rare opportunity to engage with science in some of Europe’s most prestigious institutions and inspiring locations. From exploring the corridors of Versailles to diving into the mysteries of the universe at CERN, every moment was packed with hands-on learning, intellectual discovery, and personal growth.
Paris: Where History and Science Meet
The adventure began in the City of Light, Paris, with a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. While not a scientific site in the traditional sense, Versailles offered valuable lessons in history, engineering, and the scientific innovations of its time. Students were fascinated by the palace’s intricate architecture, impressive gardens, and the clever use of hydraulics in the famous fountains. In addition to this, the group enjoyed a guided tour of the Fragonard Perfume Factory, learning about the chemistry behind fragrance creation and the centuries-old traditions of French perfumery. To round off our time in Paris, students were treated to a magical day at Disneyland Paris, where science and imagination combine in thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and behind-the-scenes engineering that brings dreams to life. This combination of historical insight, scientific curiosity, and pure wonder set the perfect tone for the tour: understanding science as something that stretches across disciplines, cultures, and centuries.
Geneva: The Cutting Edge of Physics
From Paris, we travelled to Geneva—the heart of modern physics. The highlight for many was a visit to CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Standing just metres away from the world's largest particle accelerator, students were given an exclusive glimpse into the experiments that are shaping our understanding of the universe. The group participated in a workshop that demystified the Higgs boson and explained the monumental technology behind the Large Hadron Collider.
We also visited the University of Geneva, where students took part in workshops on Coronavirus evolution, Electricity and Perfect Planning. It was a true hands-on experience, blending biology, physics, and chemistry in a tangible, exciting way.
Bern and Zurich: Swiss Precision and Innovation
In Bern, students enjoyed a brief yet rich cultural stop, soaking up the charm of Switzerland’s capital before continuing on to Zurich, a city renowned for scientific innovation. At Technorama a huge interactive Science Museum, students completed3 workshops on microwaves, liquid nitrogen and DNA. With eyes wide and hands-on experiments aplenty, they learned how different wavelengths interact with matter and how extreme cold can be used in scientific research. From flash-freezing objects to witnessing the weird and wonderful behaviour of gases at cryogenic temperatures, it was a session that left everyone awestruck.
A tour highlight was a guided visit to a nuclear power plant, where students learned about nuclear fission, reactor safety, and energy production. Donning safety gear, they observed the control room, cooling towers, and turbines. Discussions about sustainable energy and the ethical dimensions of nuclear power brought a powerful real-world dimension to classroom science. Further workshops at Zurich University on Plastics and Biodiversity helped to give the students fresh perspectives on some of the issues progress can cause.
Munich: Engineering, Culture, and Reflection
The tour concluded in Munich, giving students space for reflection—about the incredible experiences they’d had, the knowledge gained, and the many questions sparked by this journey. Museums, city walks, and moments of relaxation rounded off the educational intensity with cultural enrichment.
Pride in Our Students
Across all five cities and countless scientific experiences, what stood out as most remarkable was the professionalism, curiosity, and exemplary behaviour of our students. Whether interacting with world-renowned researchers, participating in hands-on workshops, or representing our school in busy international environments, their conduct was consistently outstanding. Feedback from university staff and workshop facilitators praised their engagement and insightful questions.
Our students were ambassadors not only for our school, but also for the values of curiosity, respect, and lifelong learning.
A Tour to Remember
The European Science Tour was more than a school trip—it was a celebration of learning, exploration, and the incredible potential of young minds when exposed to real-world science. We are immensely proud of every student who participated and grateful to the staff and organisers who made it all possible.
This journey will stay with us for years to come—not only for the landmarks visited or the experiments completed, but for the friendships built, the minds inspired, and the sense of wonder rekindled.
The European Science Tour happens (from now on) on every even numbered year, and sign ups occur in your Year10 or Year 11 year for travel in your Year 12 or Year 13 year.