Honorary Alderman Keith Toms has officially opened Harrow College’s new science block at its Harrow on the Hill campus.
Honorary Alderman of Harrow and past mayor of the borough, Keith Toms, opened five new science laboratories on Wednesday 3 September 2014.
Alderman Toms said that the new laboratories offered science students an enviable learning opportunity.
“It’s important that young people, particularly in the field of science, have the best facilities available. I’m sure that what I’m looking at today offers nothing but the best for the kids of Harrow College.”
Former Harrow College science student Matiullah Hamidi, who is currently working in the new laboratories before he continues his studies in civil engineering at City University, London, said: “I think the new facilities are much more suitable for students studying science. Working in these new labs has taught me a lot about handling chemicals and equipment like X-ray machines and radioactive materials.”
The £800,000 development completes a larger £1.5million, two-year programme, which has replaced a total of nine old laboratories across the college’s two main campuses at Harrow Weald and Harrow on the Hill.
The new state of the art facilities will benefit students of chemistry, physics, biology and related science subjects. In total there are two new chemistry labs, two new biology labs and one new physics lab.
Nick Evangeli, science learning advisor at Harrow College, said the new laboratories would offer students a more enjoyable learning experience.
“Having new labs enables us to compete with other local colleges that have upgraded to more modern learning environments. These labs will enhance our student’s learning experience; they are light and breezy, the desks are better, the chairs are more comfortable and the new air- conditioning will ensure a pleasant working environment. I am looking forward to seeing our students enjoy their learning in these labs.”
Dr Judith Abbott, director of finance and resources added: “As a former scientist myself and having personally studied in world class facilities at Cambridge University and Imperial College London, I am delighted that we have been able to make this very significant investment to transform the learning environment for our science students here at Harrow College. I hope that these beautiful new laboratories will encourage many more students to study science, which is a national priority, here at Harrow College.”