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Year 11 Go Nuclear

Mr Ian Bannister, the Managing Director of Graham Engineering, kindly agreed to present a seminar to the Year 11 GCSE Physics pupils on Nuclear Power stations, Nuclear Fuels and their safe disposal. 

Mr Bannister’s company manufactures precision made metal vessels which are designed for housing spent nuclear waste, with the subject matter forming a part of the GCSE Physics syllabus.  Detailed information on the techniques used to safely dispose of nuclear waste was presented along with information about the various types of Nuclear Power plant currently being used in Britain.  They were informed as to what happens to these facilities when they reach the end of their working life and that decommissioning is a very costly business and has to be completed to very exacting standards.
 
The presentation was augmented by samples of the manufactured metal containers being on show and the talk ended with the pupils being given an opportunity to ask questions relating to all aspects of the nuclear industry.   Mr Bannister’s presentation was very informative and gave our pupils a unique insight into the engineering specifications required for the safe storage of nuclear fuel.  They were also made to think about the dilemma the country faces as the current sources of electrical energy are gradually unable to meet the forecast of future energy demands.
 
The College and the Science Department are indebted to Mr Bannister for taking the time to deliver this very useful seminar.
 
J P Gallagher