West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed the growing numbers of students studying science as she unveiled new labs and classrooms at Hanley Castle High School. Increasing numbers of pupils are now studying science and the schools efforts have been rewarded with an impressive new teaching block for sciences. Harriett toured the new facility and met with staff and pupils during a visit to the school on Friday (June 27). And she also praised local defence and research company QinetiQ which is supporting the school and has helped to kit out the labs. Harriett said: “The new labs are really impressive and are clearly a huge asset to the school. Wandering round and meeting the pupils it is clear to me that they are a huge bonus to both students and the staff. “As we try to encourage more young people to take on science, engineering and maths, it is very gratifying to see so many pupils excelling in these subjects. “I have been really impressed with the results the school is getting across the board and I was delighted to formally thank head teacher Lindsey Cooke and the staff for their great work. “It is also pleasing to see QinetiQ getting involved in the school and offering help to those studying sciences both in the classroom and at their local offices. This sort of collaboration will help us to support the next generation of brilliant scientists to thrive in Worcestershire. Head teacher Lindsey Cooke added: “We are delighted to again welcome Harriett Baldwin to our school. “Harriett is an old friend of the school who has worked hard to ensure that Worcestershire students have access to the very best facilities in the very best schools. “Our new science facilities will make a big difference to the way in which students are taught at Hanley Castle. We pride ourselves on lessons which are hands-on and innovative, but these new laboratories with their cutting edge equipment will allow us to do an even better job in preparing our young people for university and for careers in industry.” Photo: Pictured (l-r) Headteacher Lindsey Cooke, Harriett Baldwin MP, head boy Jack Sharman, head girl Josie Williams, David Barker, Technical director, QinetiQ.