A lesson in the history of Physics was brought to life at SRC Bede Sixth Form in Billingham, with a new addition to the college garden.

A sapling descended from one of the apple trees in the garden where Sir Isaac Newton once lived, and it is thought, had his own eureka moment, will now take pride of place on the college grounds.

With the young apple tree DNA certified as a direct descendant of the trees in Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire, SRC Bede Sixth Form’s Head of Physics, Bernard Taylor, said: “The tree is a descendant of one of those apple trees from which an apple is supposed to have fallen on Isaac Newton’s head. Legend has it that this falling apple inspired his theory of gravity”.

Given that the college in Billingham has a strong focus on science, Bernard said: “In planting this tree we are celebrating the work and genius of Isaac Newton. We are hoping that our A level Physics students will be enthused to follow and understand Newton’s work and his equations.”

Giving the potentially historic tree the VIP treatment it deserves, A level Physics students were joined by SRC Bede Sixth Form staff for the official unveiling.

Cutting the ribbon was Chair of Billingham Town Council, Councillor Michael Stoker.

A physicist and mathematician, Sir Isaac Newton is widely recognised as having developed many of the principles of classical physics.

Bernard said: “Newton’s ideas about gravity were published in the Principia in 1687, but of course have a continuing relevance today. And like Spock in Star Trek we are sure that our students will understand the gravity of their situation!”

---

Gallery