Barton Science Centre opens at Tonbridge

Tonbridge School’s Barton Science Centre opened in January, with boys using its state-of-the-art facilities from the start of the Lent Term.

Named after distinguished British organic chemist Sir Derek Barton, a former pupil of the school, and a Nobel Prize winner 50 years ago, the spectacular, three-storey building places science and technology at the very heart of school life. 

One of the most ambitious developments to happen at the school since its first science building was constructed in 1887, the Barton Science Centre blends new classrooms, laboratories and latest technology with many of the architectural features from the original Victorian building.

Designed to stimulate interest and curiosity about all the sciences – Physics, Chemistry and Biology – the centre includes an interactive periodic table, a TV wall, its own bee hive, a roof garden, a greenhouse and a library, to name just a few of its new features.

The school is also running an exciting programme of science activities, showcasing the potential of the new building. Events include an international student science conference, an art show and an annual schools’ competition for Year 9 pupils, which will test skills in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

In March, Tonbridge will become the first school in the UK to host ‘Mission Discovery’, a week-long course in which teams of pupils from a range of schools design an experiment to be flown to, and tested at, the International Space Station. This ground-breaking event will be led by two NASA astronauts, alongside rocket scientists and postgraduate students.

Designed to foster even greater curiosity about science, and to stimulate cross-curricular activity, the centre will also have a wider public benefit. It will enable the school to enhance its outreach programmes, such as the ‘Science for Schools’ days for local pupils, host public lectures, and become a regional hub for the whole community. 

The Science for Schools programme runs on Wednesday afternoons: many primary school children come to the Tonbridge labs, where they grow crystals, carry out mini-experiments, build parachutes, learn about maggots and generally have fun with science. Tonbridge boys also put on demonstrations for pupils and talk about what they are studying.

The school’s Head of Science, Bill Burnett, described the Barton Science Centre as “striking, innovative and simply fun to be a part of”. He added: “It’s a world-class environment for innovative teaching and learning, where we decided that no two rooms would be the same. 

“Some classrooms, for instance, have a very flexible layout with chairs and desks, and so the teacher might sometimes be in the centre of the room, to encourage discussions. Other rooms are set up for independent study and experiments. Even the stairs and walls are adorned with scientific symbols and names, and they too are part of the learning experience.”   

The official opening will take place on Saturday 23 March. 

Pictured above: Bill Burnett, Head of Science.