Bletchley park visit

Yesterday, the Maths department organised an impactful visit to Bletchley Park for a cohort of our Year 12 students.

Bletchley Park, of course, was the base of the World War II Government Code and Cypher School (GC & CS), whose work in penetrating the secret comms of the Axis powers, including the German enigma and Lorenz cyphers, was crucial to the war effort.

Our students had a guided tour from their brilliant guide, Graham.

This was followed by an interactive lesson in which the students learnt about probability:

And the number of combinations that the enigma machine could create for its codes:

Impressively, they were even able to have supervised access to a real enigma machine! 

They then enjoyed a self-guided tour around the many buildings of the park.

Not to mention all of its special exhibits.

An enriching and enlightening trip for all involved, made even more illuminating by the glorious sunshine!

With huge thanks to all the staff who supported the trip: Mrs Kelly, Mrs Ryan, Miss McMahon, and Mrs Crouch, and with special thanks to Mr Prastka for organising it.