The Hive, a new library and learning resource centre at Thorpe Hall School, has been opened by former pupil and TV presenter Rachel Riley.
Rachel attended Thorpe Hall as a junior. Visiting for the first time in 25 years, the celebrity Oxford maths graduate took a guided tour to see how much the school had altered and expanded since she was last there.
During her visit, she dropped into the Prep School’s ‘Maths Spotligh’t sessions to help shed some light on working with numbers for some of the school’s younger pupils. The biggest highlight of the afternoon, however, was a very special ‘countdown’ style challenge, which Rachel hosted for a group of the school’s keenest maths fans from Years 5 to 11.
The visit concluded with Rachel formally opening Thorpe Hall’s new facility. A great addition to the school’s facilities, The Hive is a designated space where pupils can read, carry out independent research and work – or just take a minute of calm when needed. It supports a whole library learning scheme at Thorpe Hall to help encourage students to develop their literacy and research skills.
“Rachel was an inspiration for our students,” said Stephen Duckitt, Thorpe Hall’s Headteacher. “Everyone had great fun doing the countdown challenge, and Rachel gave us great advice about patterns in numbers and tips to make maths easier and more accessible to everyone. We’re very grateful to her for finding the time to come along to open our new Library and learning space supporting our excellent literacy programme. It’s already a buzzing hive of activity!”
Rachel signed copies of her latest book, ‘At Sixes and Sevens’, now on display in The Hive for students to borrow and enjoy.
Huge thanks to Rachel, our THS mathematics geniuses, and also to our Food & Nutrition students, who prepared a range of delicious vegan nibbles and canapes for our special guests. Special mention too to Year 9 student Poppy Eke, who designed The Hive logo and graphics.