Upper Sixth student Oliver Baroni-Harrison has impressed fellow students with a practical demonstration of the linear electromagnetic object accelerator he designed and built for his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

EPQs offer students the chance to do in-depth research into a particular area of interest, and for Oliver this was to prove that electromagnetism could one day be used as a method of transporting equipment into space.  

He spent a number of weeks designing and, after incorporating feedback from experts in the field, he ordered the component parts and started construction, a process which took a couple of weeks. 

Once the electromagnetic accelerator was complete, Oliver was able to collect data to work out its efficiency, and from there, assess whether the concept could ever be developed to the point where equipment could be transported into space. He concluded that although there were limitations in his design, as an overall concept it could well be possible. Oliver demonstrated his findings with his class by undertaking a test launch to prove that the electromagnetic accelerator is able to move a projectile. 

Oliver joined Reigate College from Riddlesdown Collegiate and is studying A Level Biology, Physics and Mathematics. He plans to study either Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at university, for which he has already begun to receive offers, before embarking on a career in Engineering. He is part of the College’s Aspire Programme which provides high-achieving students with targeted advice, support and guidance to enable them to make successful applications to the most prestigious universities.