A FUND-RAISING campaign to refurbish an ageing science lab has been launched by a Rugby secondary school in memory of a former teacher.
Rugby High School (RHS) has set a goal of raising £20,250 in 2025 for developments at the school, including the complete refurbishment of the Gospel Lab – named after former teacher Emma Gospel – over the summer holidays.
The Gospel lab was last refurbished 40 years ago, with some parts still remaining from the original installation in 1960. The planned refurbishment will result in an entirely new laboratory full of specialist science equipment.
When the lab was first installed it was known as the New Lab. It was first renamed Mendeleev, after the creator of a version of the periodic table, but it was renamed in honour of the school’s much-loved former head of science, Emma Gospel, who died of cancer in 2021.
An RHS spokesperson said: “In her time at Rugby High School, Emma Gospel taught thousands of students in the lab, with commitment and passion, and we are continuing her legacy, inspiring the next generation of future scientists.
“The school is looking forward to thousands more students experiencing science at Rugby High School, and this refurbishment is at the heart of plans to further improve the facilities at the school.”
The refurbished lab will provide a larger working area with improved accessibility including wheelchair access, new flooring, and energy-efficient LED lighting.
The spokesperson added: “This lab is used every period of every day, so it is a hard-working lab, used to the full. All Rugby high School students are taught in this lab at some point, as it is used to teach Year7s, 8s and 9s, as well as GCSE and A-level students.”
The school has obtained a grant of around £37,000 which will go towards the project, with the remainder to be raised through donations.
Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/20250in2025 to donate.
