Qualification

BPhOAward Winners in BPhO by Invitation

Date

Jul. - Aug. 2027 (TBD)

Location

China

Language

EN

Place

80

Program Introduction

BPhO Asia Camp is organized by the British Physics Olympiad Committee. BPhO Camp in the UK is established to select exceptional students for the British Physics Olympiad National Team, which represents the UK in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The camp not only fosters a deeper understanding of advanced physical concepts but also encourages collaboration among top physics students. By solving challenging physics problems, students enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills—qualities highly valued by top universities worldwide.

BPhO Asia Camp will be led by Dr. Robin Hughes, the head coach of the UK national team and a physics tutor at the University of Cambridge. The Coaching team comprises physics professors, Oxbridge physics faculty members and experienced physics teachers from top schools. The curriculum is primarily adopting content from the UK national training camps, however will be tailored to the specific needs and academic levels of Chinese students, meanwhile integrating university-level physics knowledge and experimental skills training. Although Chinese students would not become members of the British Physics Olympiad national team through this camp, it offers a unique platform for top Physics talents to collaborate while also providing guidance on applying to prestigious UK universities. The camp will feature specialized sessions on Oxbridge application strategies and an award ceremony for all participants. More than 55% of participants from the past seven editions of the BPhO Asia Camp have gained admission to Oxford or Cambridge, with over 95% enrolling at UK G5 universities.

Pre-Assessment

British Physics Olympiad (BPhO Round 0):Sep. 30, 2026 (Wed.), Grade 10-12

Introduction to Excellent Program Supervisor

Dr. Robin Hughes

  • Chairman of the BPhO Committee for the past ten years
  • British National Head Coach, UK Team Leader at IPhO
  • Member of the Isaac Physics team at the Cavendish Laboratory
  • Cambridge Fellow & Interviewer
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Mr. Robin Hughes介绍

Dr. Robin Hughes

  • Chairman of the BPhO Committee for the past ten years
  • British National Head Coach, UK Team Leader at IPhO
  • Member of the Isaac Physics team at the Cavendish Laboratory
  • Cambridge Fellow & Interviewer

Robin Hughes currently serves as an undergraduate physics supervisor at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physics. Prior to this, he accumulated extensive experience in high school physics education, teaching for 35 years at the prestigious Kings College School Wimbledon in the UK. Additionally, Dr. Hughes has been the Chair of the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) for the past decade and has long served as the UK team leader for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The BPhO Committee comprises a team of experienced and dedicated teachers who aim to provide students with more opportunities in physics learning. He also co-founded the online physics learning platform isaacphysics.org. Supported officially by the University of Cambridge, Isaac Physics is widely recommended by both Cambridge and Oxford academics.

Prof. Anson Cheung

  • BPhO Board Member
  • Cambridge Lecturer
  • Former Cambridge interviewer with 10+ years of experience
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Prof. Anson Cheung 介绍

Prof. Anson Cheung

  • BPhO Board Member
  • Cambridge Lecturer
  • Former Cambridge interviewer with 10+ years of experience

PhD in Physics and Researcher, University of Cambridge | BPhO Coach | Former Cambridge Physics Interviewer for 10 Years Prof. Anson Cheung studied at St Paul's School, London, one of the UK's academically renowned schools, and represented Anson Cheung is an associate professor in London as well as an affiliated lecturer in Cambridge. He was educated at St Paul’s School London, one of the leading UK academic schools. Whilst there he was a member of the UK Physics Olympiad team at the International Physics Olympiad. He attended Trinity College Cambridge as an undergraduate, studying Natural Sciences, going on to complete a PhD at the Cavendish Laboratory on the quantum behaviour of matter at low temperatures, and being awarded a prestigious Fellowship of Trinity College for his work.

Dr Stephen Martin

  • BPhO National Coach
  • Physics Educator
  • Cambridge PhD
  • MORE >
    Dr Stephen Martin介绍

    Dr Stephen Martin

    • BPhO National Coach
    • Physics Educator
    • Cambridge PhD

    Since graduating from St Johns College, Cambridge with an MA and PhD, Steve has been teaching Physics, Maths and technical subjects in State and Independent Schools in the UK. From 1984- 2012 he was Head of Physics at Hills Road Sixth Form College until retirement. His long teaching career with very able students has been alongside his work as a Principal examiner in Engineering Science (O-level) and Modular Physics A-level, the writer of the BPhO Physics Challenge Paper, juror at 2014 International Young Physicists’Tournament (IYPT), and in the UK in 2014. Between 1990-2001 Steve lead exchange schemes for students at Moscow Lomonossof University (MGU).

    Prof Neil Downie

    • Senior Physics Researcher involved in the discovery of the gluon
    • PhD & Senior Researcher at Imperial College
    • Visiting Professor at the Royal Academy of Engineering
    • BPhO Senior Coach
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    Prof Neil Downie介绍

    Prof Neil Downie

    • Senior Physics Researcher involved in the discovery of the gluon
    • PhD & Senior Researcher at Imperial College
    • Visiting Professor at the Royal Academy of Engineering
    • BPhO Senior Coach

    Neil majored Physics at Merton College, Oxford UK, followed by a PhD at Imperial College, London, on Fast Decision Problems in Electron-Positron Collisions at High Energy. As a member of the TASSO team at the DESY accelerator in Hamburg, Germany he was involved in the discovery of the gluon, the particle of the strong nuclear field. He then moved on to a career in industrial R&D in electronics, instrumentation and gases, including British Oxygen (now Linde) and Air Products & Chemicals Inc. He was made a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor of Innovation at the University of Surrey 2011-2016, recognising his work for a number of years in developing practical engineering projects for students, using electronics, mechanisms, pneumatics and fundamental ideas from physics.

    Dr Andrew French

    • Senior Engineer (8 years)
    • Senior Physics Educator
    • BPhO Problem Writer
    • PhD, UCL
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    Dr Andrew French 介绍

    Dr Andrew French

    • Senior Engineer (8 years)
    • Senior Physics Educator
    • BPhO Problem Writer
    • PhD, UCL

    Andrew has taught Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science at Winchester College since 2011. Previously he taught at Sherborne School, and worked as a systems engineer for eight years on a wide range of projects, from meteorological sensors, to wind farms, to signal processing algorithms associated with marine and land-based radar systems. While in industry, he completed a PhD with University College London on aspects of phased-arrays. He studied at Christ's College, Cambridge from 1997-2002, culminating in a Masters in Experimental & Theoretical Physics. He also holds a postgraduate Master of Philosophy in Fluid Dynamics from the BP Institute in Cambridge and a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics teaching from Southampton University. Dr French helps deliver the BPhO Round 1 online seminars, and writes the BPhO Computational Physics Challenge.

    Vivien Martins

    • Experienced Physics Educator
    • Doctor
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    Vivien Martins介绍

    Vivien Martins

    • Experienced Physics Educator
    • Doctor

    Vivien graduated from Cambridge in Natural Sciences, and has taught Physics at all levels in a wide range of schools in the Cambridge area; from the most highly academic Oxbridge focused schools, to ones giving students the opportunity to use their physics to support their entry to related courses. She has been an examiner for A level physics, and has seen the examination system from both sides. Yearning to do something medical, she studied and trained to become a Podiatrist. Physics/engineering and teaching experience still informs a lot of her specialist work as a Podiatrist, especially in the areas of biomechanics, gait analysis and orthotic therapy, in which she is highly regarded. She is currently studying for an MSc in Clinical Biomechanics which involves application of a whole range of physics and applied maths principles as applied to human structure and movement both in everyday life and in sports and medicine.

    Stuart Hindle

    • BPhO Coach
    • Engineer
    • Senior Physics Educator
    • Experienced Oxbridge Application Instructor
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    Stuart Hindle介绍

    Stuart Hindle

    • BPhO Coach
    • Engineer
    • Senior Physics Educator
    • Experienced Oxbridge Application Instructor

    Stuart is currently a physics teacher in a prestigious British independent school, which is part of the Eton group, and has lots of experience in successfully preparing students to apply to Oxbridge, having tutored and sent many students there in the past decade. Prior to becoming a teacher, Stuart studied Engineering Science at St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, specialising in numerical methods for the computation of shakedown loads of engineering structures and other dynamical systems, with applications ranging in aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering. Stuart went on to work as a structural engineering, and an acoustic consultant, working on some of the most exciting civil engineering projects around the world, including the Tottenham Hotspur football stadium and the Louvre Museum, in Abu Dhabi. Stuart has been one of the team leaders for the UK’s IPhO team.

    Ingrid Murray

    • Teacher trainer at Issac Physics, Cambridge
    • BPhO Coach
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    Ingrid Murray介绍

    Ingrid Murray

    • Teacher trainer at Issac Physics, Cambridge
    • BPhO Coach

    Ingrid Murray graduated from Newnham College, University of Cambridge, where she read Physical Natural Sciences. She currently works at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, serving as the Teacher Support Manager for the Isaac Physics project. In this role, she is dedicated to advancing physics education nationwide and promoting science outreach. With over 20 years of experience in physics and science teaching, Ingrid has taught at multiple schools and colleges across the UK, and has held positions including STEM Coordinator and Head of Physics & Science. Her work focuses on the development of physics teaching and curriculum design.

    Academic Modules

    1. Frontier Physics Lectures and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
    This lecture series helps students build a scientific perspective that spans from microscopic to macroscopic scales and bridges theory with application. It covers cutting-edge developments in physics while emphasizing how physics, as a foundational science, supports and drives cross-disciplinary innovation in engineering, biology, and information science. Through in-depth discussions guided by professors, students learn to transfer and apply physical ideas and methodologies in interdisciplinary contexts, fostering comprehensive thinking for solving complex problems.

    Previous Lecture Topics

    History of Quantum Mechanics

    Focusing on Fermi’s life, this lecture illustrates the inseparable relationship between theoretical and experimental physics. It reviews Fermi’s role in advancing nuclear physics and conveys a core scientific philosophy: major achievements in physics often emerge from the perfect integration of theoretical derivation and experimental validation.

    Biomechanics

    Applies physical mechanics to human body structure analysis, interpreting the foot as a precise “sensor” and “damper,” while exploring the mechanical origins of foot disorders.

    Engineering

    This lecture provides an accessible introduction to PID control theory—the core of modern industrial automation. It explains the underlying mathematical principles and demonstrates a PID-based self-balancing system in real time, allowing students to see firsthand how abstract equations can successfully “tame” an unstable physical entity. The session bridges knowledge across control theory, classical mechanics, and electronic engineering.

    Moire Fringes

    This lecture guides students from observing moiré patterns generated by superimposed periodic gratings toward uncovering their mathematical foundations, establishing a complete cognitive framework from phenomenon to principle. Physical phenomena and mathematical tools are mutually reinforcing—mathematics provides the clarity needed to comprehend the underlying patterns governing the physical world.

    Optimization Principles in Scientific Research

    This lecture connects macroscopic shortest-path phenomena with quantum probability waves, showing that the "unique path" we observe emerges as the optimal outcome of countless microscopic possibilities. It illustrates how nature's efficiency reflects a deeper truth: macroscopic determinism arises from the optimization of underlying quantum probabilities.
    2. Observation and Reasoning in Physics Experiments
    This module guides students through a progressive learning process to deeply understand and experience physics experiments and hands-on practice. Instructors with extensive experience in physics experimentation will lead students through practical work in mechanics, electricity, and machinery.

    Previous Lab Project Topics

    Observational Circus & Puzzles and Surprises

    Led by Robin Hughes (Chair and Head Coach, British Physics Olympiad) and Professor Stephen Martin, these mini-experimental demonstrations cover classic topics including gravity, magnetic fields, inertia, and refraction—guiding students to think through observation and uncover physical principles beneath phenomena.

    Conical Pendulum

    Students independently control multiple variables and analyze complex data, experiencing the complete process of extracting physical laws from seemingly chaotic results.

    Stefan’s Law

    A team-based experiment involving data measurement, processing, and model derivation to master fundamental quantitative analysis methods.

    Robots with Neil

    This engineering-focused robotics module requires systematic documentation, failure analysis, and iterative optimization—instilling the practical logic of real-world research: trial, error, and systematic refinement.
    3. Classic Physics Olympiad Problem Solving

    Physical Modeling and Estimation: Students learn to leverage physical intuition and scaling analysis to rapidly grasp the essence of complex problems—cultivating the core instincts essential for theoretical physicists. Through classic problem sets, they master the art of extracting clear physical models from seemingly chaotic phenomena.

    Advanced Mechanics: Led by BPhO Coach Professor Anson Cheung, this module returns to classical mechanics with focused training in force analysis and mathematical modeling. Through in-depth exploration of classic Olympiad topics—ladder equilibrium, collision dynamics, chain tension—students learn to translate complex physical scenarios into solvable mathematical frameworks, establishing rigorous and efficient problem-solving protocols.

    4. Computational Physics and Python Programming
    The camp employs Python programming as a core component for developing computational physics skills. The primary goal is not merely to have students copy code, but to ensure they understand its logic, master programming thinking, and apply computational tools to practical physical problems. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving strategies, algorithmic workflows, and the physical interpretation of computational results. For instance, when plotting functions, students are expected to comprehend the underlying mathematical relationships and their physical relevance. This approach effectively cultivates computational thinking, enabling students to translate physical problems into computational models and solve them through visualization and programming. Through this series of Python exercises, students acquire not only a powerful scientific tool but also a complete research pipeline—“physics modeling → mathematical formulation → computational implementation → result analysis”—which holds lasting value for their future scientific careers.
    5. Interactive Seminars and Academic Collaboration

    Most sessions are organized around four-person teams, where students learn to listen, articulate, and collaborate through joint problemsolving, code logic discussions, and coordinated experiments—thereby transcending individual cognitive constraints. Dedicated Q&A sessions are also integrated, offering timely, targeted guidance on difficulties ranging from theoretical derivations and programming implementation to experimental data analysis. This cycle of “exploration–discussion– feedback–deepening” effectively fosters active and in-depth learning.

    6. Oxbridge Physics Application Seminars and Mock Interviews
    The BPhO Asia is led by coaches from the UK Physics Olympiad national team, including Oxford and Cambridge physics professors, academic interviewers, and elite high school physics competition coaches from top British schools. These instructors deliver authentic and high-value seminars on Oxford and Cambridge physics applications. Students will have the opportunity to observe mock Oxbridge physics interviews, gaining familiarity with the admissions process. Current Cambridge students will also be available to answer questions and share their experiences.

    Schedule

    Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6
    Morning
    9:00-12:00
    / Opening Ceremony Introduction to Python
    Python
    Puzzles and Surprises
    (Physics Experiment Demonstration)
    Election Cup Newton Cooling
    Cantilever Competition
    (Cantilever Bridge Design Competition)
    Robots with Neil
    (Experiments: Robotics and Intelligent Hardware)
    Slinky Practical Maths for Moire
    (Advanced Mathematical Problems in Physics)
    Pinhole Camera
    Noon Lunch
    Afternoon
    14:00-17:00
    Arrive in Beijing Observational Circus
    (Mini-Experiment Demonstrations
    Revealing Core Physics
    Concepts)
    Moire Fringes
    (Optics Experiments and Moiré Patterns)
    Physics & Python
    (Using Computers for Physics Research)
    Radioactive Dice Closing Ceremony
    Estimation
    (Estimation via physical intuition)
    Biomechanics Talk
    (Biomechanical Insights into Foot Disorders: Causes, Prevention and Treatment)
    Engineering Talk
    (Engineering and Its Applications PID Control Theory and Control Examples for Static Unstable Systems)
    Quantum Mechanics Talk
    (History and the Interplay of Theory and Experiment)
    /

    * Note: The coaching team may adjust the course sequence, content, and difficulty. Specific schedule will be released before camp.

    Student Reflections

    Over years of coaching the BPhO, I have come to realize that the most valuable education often happens beyond the podium. The experiments we design often have no single correct answer, and the course content is not about delivering ready made knowledge—but about creating an environment where students, working in small groups, inspire each other through discussion and achieve breakthroughs through collaboration. The beauty of physics lies not only in its formulas, but in the process of thinking, explaining, and verifying together with peers. This is what we believe: great physicists are never born in isolation.

    — Robin Hughes, Chair and Head Coach, British Physics Olympiad

    At the BPhO Camp, we encourage students to go beyond the classroom—to sketch their own graphs, write their own code, and understand the mathematical relationships behind physical phenomena through hands on experiments. Physics is not just theory; it is the process of discovering and solving real problems through practice and collaboration. Here, you can even translate physical logic into program code and turn it into shareable value.

    — Neil Downie, Coach, British Physics Olympiad

    The training here is intense, but that is precisely what drives genuine growth in students—not only in solving problems, but in learning to think outside the box and approach the unknown with creativity. There are no standard answers, only reasonable reasoning and bold attempts. If you are willing to step forward, you may be surprised by how much you can gain in just a few days.

    — Stephen Martin, Coach, British Physics Olympiad

    I used to be hesitant to speak up, but here I broke through my limits and learned to take initiative and seize more opportunities. At the same time, I truly grasped the depth of different branches of physics. This experience not only gave me the courage to pursue opportunities but also strengthened my determination to devote myself to physics research in the future.

    — Luo, Student, The Affiliated International School of Shenzhen University

    What moved me most was the session on the biomechanics of the human foot—it was the first time I realized how closely biology and physics could intertwine. Here, professors care more about how we think than about simply giving answers. This kind of inspiration in thinking is something rarely experienced in regular school settings.

    — Zhang, Student, Xian Tie Yi International Curriculum Center

    In the spring oscillator experiment at the BPhO Camp, I personally verified simple harmonic motion for the first time. The fully English speaking classroom gave me an early taste of the academic atmosphere at overseas universities. More importantly, what I learned here was not just a formula—but a way of thinking about physics.

    — Yang, Student, CAMFORD ROYAL SCHOOL

    French 教授让我印象深刻,他用歌声诠释物理知识,让理论变得生动。这里的数据分析不只停留在收集,教授会带我们用 Excel 高效处理,并深入推证变量间的数学关系。我还结识了志趣相投的朋友,这段经历远远超出了普通的课堂学习。

    — 何同学 深圳国际交流书院

    Participant Information

    Programme Fee

    The programme fee includes tuition and academic materials, but does not cover logistical expenses such as hotel accommodation, meals, transportation, etc.
    * ASEEDER will provide logistical services for students. When logistical registration opens, students will be informed by message, email, etc

    Registration Deadline

    Three weeks before the programme begins.
    * Places on the camp are limited and registration will close once all places have been filled. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered a voluntary withdrawal from participation.

    FAQ

    1、REFUND POLICY
    After a student has registered and paid, they may apply to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances. If the application is submitted before the registration deadline, 25% of the registration fee will be deducted as academic materials and service fees. If the application is submitted after the registration deadline, no refund will be given.
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