A group of 30 geographers from Washington Academy attended a behind the scenes tour of Hartlepool’s EDF power station, an often-restricted part of the world! As part of this tour students were given a detailed discussion surrounding nuclear fusion and how electricity is made. The geographers were informed of key job opportunities within the nuclear sector from scientist jobs through to the powerplant cleaners.

Following the presentation explaining the nuclear power station students were kitted up in safety equipment, including helmets, ear defenders, Hi-Vis Jackets and protective eye wear and embarked on an hour tour of the power station. After passing through metal detectors and significant security students were guided around the site. Exploring the Turbine Hall, Cooling Water Pump House, and Emergency Garages amongst other key aspects of the power station. Students were shown how the emergency procedures worked at the site and it was explained how safe nuclear power was. At the cooling tanks students were informed that one tank could boil and use water in 17 minutes. The tour guide informed us that if we tried to boil the same amount of water in a standard kettle it would take us 10 years!

All the students who attended this trip were fantastic representation of Washington Academy and were engaged with the tour guides at every point! We are looking forward to additional trips in the future to the Power Station with trips planned for November 2024!

We have additional upcoming trips to the Lake District and a Waste for Recycling Plant coming up soon!