A celebrity academic visited Woodham Academy to help inspire the next generation of scientists. Engineer and applied mathematician Dr Ian Johnston visited the school to give a presentation for Year 8 students and take their questions.

Dr Johnston is the scientific expert and Richard Hammond’s aid on ‘Battle of the Geeks’ as well as academic consultant to TV shows ‘Electric Dreams’ and ‘Bang Goes The Theory’ since it started. He has also appeared on Celebrity Eggheads alongside a team of media scientists.

His talk on engineering and mathematics was organised through the school’s More Able Academy and was attended by all Year 8 students.

Dr Johnston said: “Many thanks to everyone in Year Eight for giving me such a friendly reception. I am particularly grateful to everyone who asked questions. Every question was interesting and I am sorry that I didn’t have time to answer everybody, or to give more than short replies. Year Eight did themselves and their school proud, and I wish them all the very best for the rest of their time at Woodham and beyond.”

Sarah Dickinson, Assistant Headteacher at Woodham Academy, said: “Dr Johnston’s visit is just one of many we arrange from inspirational people. Woodham Academy is committed to giving our students as many experiences as possible to broaden their minds and horizons.”

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