THE master of teaching maths and science to children, TV presenter Johnny Ball, dropped into a Chelmsford school to present a fun interactive lecture and present prizes to A-level students.
A regular fixture on the box in the 1970s and 1980s, and the dad of DJ Zoë Ball, Johnny spent an afternoon and evening at Great Baddow High School to help launch its new science specialism.
The star of shows such as Think of a Number, Think Again and Johnny Ball Reveals All, started by giving pupils an interactive lesson in what he called beautiful maths, explaining in uncomplicated terms various fundamental mathematical concepts.
"You should aim to see more than is actually there," he advised the pupils.
Isobel Wells, 14, said: "My mum told me she remembers Johnny Ball being a presenter on TV when she was young, so I made sure I sat near the front so I could tell her what he says. I've also got to get his autograph for her."
The school's head of maths, Marc Lewis, said: "Johnny was a massive part of my growing up and my interest in maths and science, so it is great he was able to be with us tonight."
After his lesson, Johnny opened the school's A-level presentation evening, addressing the audience of 250 students and parents.
He advised the youngsters to "seize life and wring every moment from its opportunities".
Headteacher Carrie Lynch said: "Earlier this term we announced that we had taken on a second specialism in science; we have been a specialist's sports college since 2002 and have an outstanding reputation in this area.
"We are equally proud of the academic achievement of our students – represented at tonight's presentation evening.
"Science is another area of strength in the school with high levels of achievement; the sciences are popular at A-level and many of our students go on to science-based degrees, so Mr Ball was an obvious choice when we were looking for a speaker to celebrate this new phase in the school's development."
