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Barrow Hills opens new St Albertus Magnus Science Laboratories

24/01/2012

Professor Sir Christopher Snowden, Vice Chancellor of the University of Surrey opens Barrow Hills School new Science block.

Pupils at Barrow Hills School in Witley were told, "Science is the key to understanding the world.” at the opening of their new science laboratories last week. Professor Sir Christopher Snowden, University of Surrey Vice Chancellor was guest speaker at the event and cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the St Albertus Magnus Science Laboratories.

The new facility was named after the outstanding 13th century academic and theologian as he, unusually for his era, believed in conducting experiments and is also the patron saint of science students.

Sir Christopher, a Fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering was knighted in the 2012 New Year’s Honours for services to engineering and higher education. He said to the Barrow Hills’ pupils, "Everything around us involves science, engineering and technology and you can all be part of making the future of our world happen – after all, this will be your world when you leave school! Scientists and engineers not only think of new ideas and invention but make them happen – so everything from cars, bridges, light bulbs to aspirin, fizzy drinks, mobile phones to space ships is down to them.

When I was at school I enjoyed science but the best bit was doing experiments and seeing science happen in front of my eyes. That is why it is so exciting to have this fantastic new building with its new science laboratories.

You could be the scientist and engineer to shape the future. Today’s science fiction is so often tomorrow’s science fact. I hope that you use this fantastic new laboratory facility to become tomorrow’s scientists and that I may see you at the University of Surrey in a few years time!”

Both the labs, one for Years 3 to 5 and the other for Years 6 to 8, feature the latest technology. The refurbishment of the old science block was one of the initiatives led by the Barrow Hills Development Initiative (BHDI), set up to mark the School’s diamond jubilee last June. Stephen Mulliner, Chairman of Governors thanked the BHDI; Iosold O’Brien, Deputy Head; Chris Barber, project manager; Albert Alonzo, Bursar and Guildford contractor, Work Perfect for their hard work in bringing the project to completion. He said, "Barrow Hills is proud to be a co-educational school which can now provide science facilities which our guest, Sir Christopher, compared favourably to those of many senior schools.”