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Exploring Science and Innovation: A Student Trip to Geneva and CERN

Published: Mon 15 December 2025

“The CERN trip was a profoundly enlightening, unique, and deeply impressive opportunity. The sophistication of its technology and the expertise of its researchers provided us with invaluable insight into the world of particle physics, while also offering a motivating and inspiring experience.” Andrew – Head Prefect

Earlier this week, we embarked on an exciting educational trip to Geneva, Switzerland. This was a trip filled with science, culture, and a touch of festive fun. Our journey began with an early morning arrival at Heathrow, and despite over two hours waiting at the border and persistent rain, our spirits remained high.

Our first outing took us to the Museum of Science History, where we had hands-on experiences with antique telescopes, microscopes, electromagnetism apparatus, and fascinating acoustic demonstrations. Later, a simple, but beautiful lakeside stroll offered a scenic view of Geneva, which was followed by a visit to the Christmas market on the dock. Although the warm, glowing stalls enhanced festive atmosphere of late November, a sudden downpour sent everyone running back to the hostel, sadly cutting our visit short. The evening eventually concluded, with delicious traditional Swiss dishes for dinner, preparing all of us for the highlight of the trip: CERN and the Large Hadron Collider.

The following day was truly the pinnacle of the trip. At CERN, we enjoyed a guided tour led by a nuclear physicist, who answered our many insightful questions asked throughout the tour. The CERN exhibition also captivated my friends and I, offering an engaging glimpse into the world of particle physics and cutting-edge scientific research.

After an inspiring day at CERN, the we explored the heart of Geneva. We visited the Philippe Patek Watch Museum, and couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of these legendary timepieces. The day came to a peaceful close with a scenic boat ride across Lake Geneva.

On the final morning, we tested our navigational skills in a cryptic scavenger hunt, putting our problem solving skills to use, as well as having fun.

Overall, this trip provided a wonderful blend of science, culture, and teamwork. My friends and I not only expanded our knowledge and curiosity in this enticing field of physics, but also created unforgettable memories of our time in Geneva that we will hold dear to our hearts as the years pass by.

”The students were a credit to the school. Particular shout-out to Jayden who would not stop asking our nuclear physicist tour guide questions about the technicalities of the ALICE detector. All students showed great intellectual curiosity during the visit, not just talking about physics but also discussing the implications of history and politics in the area too.” Mr Wright – Head of Physics

Thank you to HCS for accompanying us on the trip and to Mr Wright for this wonderful opportunity!

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