A special visitor will get the new term off to a right royal start at one secondary school this week.
HRH the Duke of Edinburgh will be in Bourne on Thursday for the official opening of Bourne Grammar School’s systems and control teaching centre.
Prince Philip is the most senior royal to visit Bourne and crowds are expected to line the streets to give him a warm welcome from 3.30pm.
He will then have the opportunity to chat to students and staff during his hour-long visit to the school, as well as look round the new Turing Centre.
The purpose-built facility caters for students on the systems and control course, which was only introduced at Key Stage 3 in September.
The first students will sit GCSE exams in the subject in 2014 with plans for AS/A2 level courses to be launched this September.
Headteacher Jonathan Maddox said: “Systems and controls is a modern, forward-looking subject that is highly regarded by top universities.
“Our new bespoke building will offer our students the opportunity to study a truly 21st century curriculum, developing knowledge of computing, electronics, mechanisms and pneumatics from their first year all the way to A-level.
“Already the subject is proving so popular with students that in addition to enjoying their lessons, many return at lunchtimes to explore the subject further and to work on all sorts of fascinating projects.
“Particularly popular is the new robotics club.”
The new building, named after Alan Turing, the founder of modern computing and wartime code-breaker, will provide access to high-spec testing and manufacturing equipment and boasts two computer suites and three classrooms.