Abi

Former A level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics student Abi talks about her experience at Callywith and studying Physics at Durham University.

Previous School: Wadebridge School

Courses studied: A level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics 

Extra Activites: Academic Academy

Progression: Physics - Durham University

How are you finding your course/experience at university?

I’m really enjoying my experience at uni. Its been very strange studying during the pandemic and through several lockdowns, with the majority of my lectures pre recorded and my tutorials via zoom, however I’ve still had loads of opportunities to explore a new city and become more independent. The course is really challenging and very fast paced, even compared to A levels, but so rewarding when you finally get to the right answer! 

How did your time at Callywith influence and support your choice of/transition to university?

Callywith were so supportive when I was applying to university and all of my lecturers gave me some great advice abouts which university/courses would suit me best. The enthusiasm of my Physics lecturer, Dave, especially, really inspired me to consider a future career in Physics, and the new facilities in the science labs meant we had the best possible experience of the practical elements of the course.

What do you enjoy in particular about studying Physics?

Physics describes the way everything in the universe works and links them together neatly through theory, experiment and maths, which I think is so elegant and fascinating. Recently we’ve started studying topics like Special Relativity, which describe really weird effects you would never expect like time dilation, which is mind boggling!

How have your A Level studies helped you in your degree?

The way Callywith encouraged me to study for A levels got me in a good routine for university level work, the key being to work quickly and efficiently to understand all the content and to meet deadlines. All of my A level subjects have provided the foundations required for my degree and link very closely with different elements of it, which has been super useful.

What are you hoping to do in the future?

I’m not too sure what I want to do for a career as of yet, but looking into module choices for the later years of my degree condensed matter physics sounds really interesting.