1999: Why were we here? Simple !

To learn all about particle physics and CERN so we can go back and tell all our students and colleagues how great it all is (and catch some beautiful scenery and excellent food and wine on the Swiss-French border!). 

Well yes, but of course there is a lot more to it than that. 

The professional physicists at CERN have become acutely aware (as have we) over the last few years that the numbers of students opting to study physics beyond compulsory education has dropped alarmingly. They also knew that they worked at one of (if not THE) premiere fundamental physics research institution in the world. So in 1998 they inaugurated the High School Teachers Summer School. Finances and many other factors meant it was unlikely schools outside the immediate area would be able to bring students to CERN for a visit. However, them sending a teacher was feasible. 

The idea was to get a group of teachers from all over Europe together at CERN for three weeks during which time they could do the following 

Discuss the common ground in their teaching of physics. 

Learn a little more about particle physics to better inform their teaching. 

Look at the practicalities of doing fundamental research at CERN.

Synthesize ideas and projects to work on enthusing students to further study physics using particle physics and CERN as a basis.
 
 

These goals still hold. The Summer School has now run for a second year with an increased number of teachers participating. The response to the school has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic and CERN seems keen to continue with this programme, developing and enhancing it alongside other outreach and educational initiatives it is planning. 

This is why we came here. To further our own knowledge: Yes. To satisfy our curiosity about the place: Yes. But mostly because we all wanted to get involved with a potentially major programme to help reverse the recent trends in the uptake of physics in our schools and colleges. 

But we did relax as well!

© CERN and High School Teachers Programme at CERN.	Last modified: 28 June 2002