YOUNG scientists were rewarded for their efforts yesterday as the clouds parted to reveal a glimpse of the sun in partial eclipse, which they broadcasted live to around 2,000 students. Students at Richmond School and Sixth Form College were out early setting up scientific and video equipment for a school-wide simul-cast to TV screens around the premises and local feeder primary schools. Physics teacher Chris Brown hosted an hour-long live outside broadcast with the help of students from Years 10, 11 and 12 and the sixth form astronomy club. As the skies darkened, the temperature plummeted and the birds landed, the eerie silence was punctuated by a commentary covering the science behind eclipses, the mythology surrounding them through the ages and the safety aspects of trying to look at the phenomenon with the naked eye. Mr Brown said: “It has been a memorable occasion for the whole school and the enthusiasm of the students has been inspiring. “With the cloud cover it was not looking too good then suddenly the sun popped through showing the clear crescent shape caused by the shadow cast by the moon.” Student Hannah Howland, 16, said: “It really did feel that we were part of something special and it was great to be able to record and broadcast the eclipse live to the rest of the school and local primary schools.” Ben Rainbow, 15, who helped broadcast a tongue-in-cheek safety warning, added: “Experiences like this help to bring science alive and make it relevant to the world we live in. This is something I will definitely remember for years to come.”
