Play a hit with pupils

Wednesday 25th March 2009, 11:17AM GMT.

A Shropshire school celebrated National Science Week by looking at the ideas, life, times and legacy of Shrewsbury’s Charles Darwin, writes Rebecca Lawrence.

The Mary Webb School in Pontesbury began the week with a performance from Bristol street theatre company Desperate Men to explore the themes of evolution and extinction.

Andy Frost, science college extension and enrichment co-ordinator, said: “It was a fantastic way to launch our science week.

“The whole of years seven, eight and nine were able to see one of the company’s three performances for the day and they went down a storm.”

Last week, pupils in year seven spent a day at Chester Zoo looking at animal behaviour and adaptations. And wildlife photographer Ben Osborne spoke to year nine pupils about his work.

Mr Frost said: “He disclosed some of the techniques that he has used with a variety of lenses, flashes and exposure times.

“At the point where the students were in absolute awe of his talent, I introduced exotic animal expert Simon Airey.

“Simon is adept to presenting his array of reptiles, amphibians, insects and furry critters to large audiences with a witty tale to accompany every piece of information about special adaptations.”

Mr Frost said television vet Steve Leonard also spoke to pupils about his work.

View more: Charles Darwin news.