Students set to discover more with new science labs at Wellingborough school

Last night saw the official opening of the Discovery Centre, which consists of two new science labs, at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy in Wellingborough.

It is hoped that the new facilities will ensure students are able to study the practical aspect of science in the best possible environment.

The new centre has been made possible with money from the Wolfson Foundation and Ogden Trust.

The Wolfson Foundation, an independent charity that awards grants to support and promote excellence in the fields of science, health, education and the arts and humanities, made a contribution of £30,000.

The Ogden Trust, a charitable trust that exists to promote the teaching and learning of physics, gave £20,000 towards it.

As an Institute of Physics lead school, it will be able to run CPD sessions for teachers from schools throughout the region.

The new centre was opened by Ryan Holser, a Year 11 student from Sir Christopher Hatton Academy who won the name the lab competition and chose the name Discovery Centre.

The academy’s CEO/executive principal Victoria Bishop said: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Ogden Trust and Wolfson Foundation for their contribution towards our wonderful new Discovery Centre.

“The new facilities will enhance the students’ studies greatly providing an engaging and stimulating environment for their learning.

“This will ensure that the progress within science at Hatton continues to be first class.”

Lead practitioner for physics Dr Abby Bell said: “I am absolutely thrilled that the students at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy are able to study science in such wonderful facilities.

“The smiles on the students’ faces when they saw the labs for the first time says it all.

“I am excited to see physics at Hatton go from strength to strength.”

The official opening took place on the same night as the Hatton Academies Trust’s Christmas concert, which included performances by youngsters from the trust’s four schools of Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, Victoria Primary Academy, Oakway Academy and Ecton Village Primary Academy.

The festive event also included the presentation of a cheque for more than £1,600 raised by students and staff for the Crazy Hats charity, which raises money to improve breast cancer care in the county.

Wellingborough mayor Malcolm Waters was invited as a special guest for the evening, as well as Crazy Hats founder Glennis Hooper.