Kew House School has received a remarkable gift from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), a university-grade teaching microscope that once played a vital role in saving thousands of children's lives.

For 30 years, the specialist instrument was used in GOSH's haematology department to help diagnose childhood leukaemia, contributing to the successful treatment of more than 3,000 young patients.

The specialist instrument was used in GOSH's haematology department (credit: Kew House School).

Following the hospital's recent upgrade to a newer model, the historic microscope has now found a new home inspiring the next generation of scientists.

The donation was made possible thanks to the efforts of Kew House parent Rosie Orringe, who reached out to the school's science department to arrange the transfer.

Jake Orringe's (left) mum, Rosie Orringe, helped facilitate the donation of the microscope to the school (credit: Kew House School).

To ensure the microscope's smooth installation, Rosie's family member Dr Srđan Rogosic visited the biology department to demonstrate the complex set-up.

The advanced teaching microscope allows up to eight students to view the same slide as their teacher, with special controls enabling the instructor to highlight features such as red blood cells or the stages of mitosis.

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The Head of Biology at Kew House School said the microscope will inspire students during science lessons (credit: Kew House School).

A-Level biology pupils have already put it to use, exploring cell structures with the help of real-time teacher-led instruction projected to each eyepiece.

Head of Biology at Kew House School Simon Whitehead described the microscope as an "extraordinary addition" that will significantly enrich lessons.

"This machine carries with it a legacy of hope and discovery. To know it once helped doctors save so many lives makes it all the more inspiring for our students," they said.

The microscope allows up to eight students to view the same slide as their teacher (credit: Kew House School).

The donation is not just a boost to the school's science curriculum but also a symbol of community collaboration, linking hospital, families, and classrooms in a shared mission to nurture curiosity and learning.

Kew House School thanked Rosie Orringe, Dr Rogosic and Great Ormond Street Hospital for the gift, which they say will ignite a passion for science among students for years to come.

Kew House School is a sponsor of Richmond Nub News. Without sponsors our Richmond online newspaper would not be possible. Thank you.

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