TV presenter Johnny Ball inspired pupils to consider degrees and careers in science and maths after a visit to Great Baddow High School. 

He was invited to be a guest speaker for a presentation evening, following the school's announcement that it has taken on a science specialism. 

Carrie Lynch, headteacher, said: "Earlier this term we announced that we had taken on a second specialism in science; we have been a specialists sports college since 2002 and have an outstanding reputation in this area.

"We are equally proud of the academic achievement of our students – represented by our students at tonight's presentation evening.

"Science is another area of strength in the school with high levels of achievement; the sciences are popular at A Level and many of our students go on to science-based degrees.

"So Mr Ball was an obvious choice when we were looking for a speaker for this evening to celebrate this new phase in the school's development and we know that he will have a very positive impact on the students he meets tonight.”

Mr Ball spoke to an audience of 250 prize-winning students and proud parents in an entertaining and thought-provoking address encouraging the young people to ‘seize life and wring every moment from its opportunities’.

As part of the visit, the Science Faculty were keen to find ways to utilise his outstanding knowledge and experience to bring the school curriculum to life for its GCSE and A Level students and look at the application of science and maths beyond the classroom.

Student Isobel Wells, 14, made sure she had a front row seat, with instructions from her mum to gain Johnny Ball’s autograph if she could and was delighted to get a chance to have her photo taken with him.

With simple demonstrations and a real enthusiasm for what he termed as ‘beautiful maths’ he captivated the audience of teenagers at the school with uncomplicated explanations of fundamental mathematical concepts.

His opening statement to ‘aim to see more than is actually there’ using Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian man, encouraged the students to seek out more and aim higher than they ever would have thought.

Finishing his master class on a lighter note with a fast-paced, funny poem about the scientist Isaac Newton, students and teachers alike were queuing to gain his autograph and ask questions.

By the end of the Master class, students left the lecture with a greater understanding and enthusiasm for maths and science and the teachers at Great Baddow High School are looking forward to following up his ideas in the Spring Term.