Special guest at specialist launch

JOHNNY Ball was the guest of honour at a Hadleigh High School's specialist school launch.

There was no washing-up bottle rockets in sight as Johnny took to the floor to present his science and maths lecture but the youngsters were engrossed from start to finish.

Students first from year seven and then year eight were pulled to the front and worked alongside the former children's presenter.

Johnny said: "It is really good to be a specialist school because you have got to get results. You find these schools have made an effort and the results have shown they are good enough.

"They need the effort to raise money from local industries. The government says if you put the effort in we will add to the money.

"These schools do show themselves to be special and there is a lovely atmosphere you do notice it. The effort is paying off.

"I love doing this. Yesterday I was in Newcastle and I was shattered when I arrived here but I am less tired after two lectures because I get energy from the children."

Best remembered for presenting Think of a Number, Johnny Ball inspired youngsters throughout the 70s and 80s, through his lectures he is now inspiring a further generation to take an interest in the sciences.

Ian Carrington, headteacher at Hadleigh High School, said: "I wanted someone inspiring to launch the science college.

"He was perfect. He links maths and science together – our science school status is about science and maths not just science.

"We have had a tremendous response from our sponsors and without them we wouldn't have been in this situation. Their support and the community's have been brilliant."

The school now has increased science facilities and brighter classrooms and it is hoped the additional funding created by the status will filter through to the rest of the school.