Hartlepool students inspired by top scientist and professor Robert Winston

Pupils were enthralled by a top scientist during an inspiring visit to Hartlepool.
Lord Robert Winston during question and answer session with pupils at High Tunstall College of Science.Lord Robert Winston during question and answer session with pupils at High Tunstall College of Science.
Lord Robert Winston during question and answer session with pupils at High Tunstall College of Science.

Lord Robert Winston, a professor and fertility pioneer, visited High Tunstall College of Science before later delivering the school’s annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) lecture at the Borough Hall on the Headland.

Lord Winston said he was impressed with the attentiveness of the pupils, particularly during question and answer sessions while he met pupils at High Tunstall.

Lord Winston with, from left, High Tunstall deputy head boy Jonathan Hyde, headteacher Mark Tilling, head girl Staff Ellison, head boy Louis Nixon and deputy head girl Annabelle Thomas.Lord Winston with, from left, High Tunstall deputy head boy Jonathan Hyde, headteacher Mark Tilling, head girl Staff Ellison, head boy Louis Nixon and deputy head girl Annabelle Thomas.
Lord Winston with, from left, High Tunstall deputy head boy Jonathan Hyde, headteacher Mark Tilling, head girl Staff Ellison, head boy Louis Nixon and deputy head girl Annabelle Thomas.

He said: “I very much enjoyed my time in Hartlepool.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The children were energised to learn, patient and well-mannered, and they asked good questions.

“Here, you have good teaching and students who are wanting to learn.

“It’s very clear they are motivated to try to sort out the problems facing them.

Lord Winston with, from left, High Tunstall deputy head boy Jonathan Hyde, headteacher Mark Tilling, head girl Staff Ellison, head boy Louis Nixon and deputy head girl Annabelle Thomas.Lord Winston with, from left, High Tunstall deputy head boy Jonathan Hyde, headteacher Mark Tilling, head girl Staff Ellison, head boy Louis Nixon and deputy head girl Annabelle Thomas.
Lord Winston with, from left, High Tunstall deputy head boy Jonathan Hyde, headteacher Mark Tilling, head girl Staff Ellison, head boy Louis Nixon and deputy head girl Annabelle Thomas.

“I go into lots of other schools and see different attitudes in some places.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In this school, the children care because the teachers care.”

The STEM event was attended by pupils from St Hild’s, Manor Academy, English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Hartlepool College of Further Education as well as High Tunstall’s primary partners schools and schools/colleges they work with on STEM initiatives across the Tees Valley area.

Lord Winston added: “This part of the country is well-known for having particular problems, but these children are showing there is real hope for the future in not just this area, but the UK as a whole.

“Readers of the Mail can be very proud of them and the school.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last year’s STEM lecture was delivered by Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman.

High Tunstall is the first 11-16 school in the UK to gain the STEM Assured Award for its commitment to the subjects.

Its headteacher, Mark Tilling, believes the pupils were left inspired by the visit of Lord Winston.

He said: “The question and answer sessions proved to be really inspirational for the students.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was more than just the science aspect of them, it was about the story behind it all.

“The message has very much been that people can get involved.

“You’ve got the same opportunities that everyone else has got.

“That was a very important message for our young people.”