In recent years the IPPP have established an annual masterclass for local schoolchildren, where sixth formers and their teachers receive instruction in the basic aspects of particle physics and have the opportunity to extract and analyse real experimental data. The 2008 Masterclass took place in April and attracted more than 200 participants.
To obtain information about the particle physics masterclass programme, follow this link: Masterclass website.
We also organise one-day events for pupils at Key Stage 4, with talks, hands-on demonstrations and group discussions to help develop an understanding of particle physics, particle astrophysics and astronomy.

One aim of this project is to develop a new astronomy masterclass based on the IPPP format to be piloted in Durham and then exported.
The first astronomy masterclass for sixth formers studying the cosmology option at A level and their teachers took place in March 2003. This half-day pilot involved a total of 30 students from City of Sunderland College who visited the department.
Following a talk on basic aspects of cosmology, the students undertook a hands-on computer based activity to determine a value for the Hubble parameter. Feedback was very positive, with every student who took part rating the event as extremely good.
The astronomy masterclass has run many times since. We also plan to expand the range of computer activities to cover more than one aspect of the syllabus.