THE opening of a new science centre at Hunter Hall School in Penrith went with off with a bang.

The staff and pupils of the independent school welcomed more than150 guests as they celebrated the launch of the centre, with entertainment from Professor Pumpernickel and a showcase of experiments from the Year 6 pupils.

As The Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria Claire Hensman officially opened the centre, a pyrotechnic display punctuated the air and a shower of confetti rained down on the children- much to their delight!

The school were also thrilled to welcome Kayleigh Daniels, REACT Engineering’s Foundation Trustee as guest speaker at the event. She helped inspire the schools’ future scientists (and their parents) citing the discoveries of local Cumbrian scientists such as John Dalton who discovered the atom and demonstrated that there are no boundaries to what the children could go on to discover in their future careers.

Going forward, the school will use the Science Centre to teach S.T.E.M subjects with a focus on science.

Headteacher Donna Vinsome is very much hoping in time to extend invitations to other primary schools in the area who may want to come and share science events hosted by the school, inspiring the next generation of scientists, as it does with its sports events at present, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

She said: “We are really excited to have our science centre fully kitted out and up and running ready for the new term. We would like the new science centre to be a resource for us and for other schools to come and learn with us, make connections and give children in the Eden area the opportunity to ignite their imaginations and inspire a love of science at an early age.”

The science centre was built ahead of schedule after huge efforts by the Hunter Hall community, with kind donations from parents, friends, local businesses, and tireless fundraising from pupils and the school’s parents’ group.