The British School Honours Mr Collinge and Celebrates the Impact of His Legacy Gift

On 4 February, the Collinge Chemistry Laboratories were officially named after the late Mr Jeffrey Parker Collinge MBE in gratitude for his generous financial donation, which enabled the Science laboratories at Senior School Voorschoten (SSV) to be completely refurbished.

An extraordinary event was organised around this occasion to celebrate the profound impact of Mr Collinge’s gift and his lifelong commitment to education and progress while highlighting the importance of science education. The exciting and varied programme included seeing a live, student-led demonstration in a laboratory. It featured a keynote speech from a prominent climate scientist and former student of The British School.

Setting this event apart visually, an atmospheric video featuring clips of students performing experiments in STEM club and during Science lessons was projected onto two walls in the venue. Further on-theme details, such as flowers placed in test tubes as decorations and a display of archive photos of the science labs, were appreciated by the guests.

Headteacher of SSV (and a former Biology teacher), Mr Patrick Heuff, opened the event with pride and enthusiasm for the newly refurbished laboratories. The sentiment was shared by many of the guests, including a number of BSN parents, including some scientists and chemists, members of the BSN’s Association, Boards of Governors and Management, and the SSV Science department. Local organisations such as Leiden University and ESA were also represented. Mr Colijn, the executor of Mr Collinge’s will, attended along with a former associate of Mr Collinge’s.

We were delighted to have Burgemeester Nadine Stemerdink, the Mayor of Voorschoten, unveil the dedication plaque. The dedication was accompanied by a dry-ice special effect, adding an extra sense of ceremony.

Photo: from L-R  Patrick Heuff (Headteacher SSV), Burgemeester Nadine Stemerdink, Peter Bayliff (Chair of BSN Board of Governors)

Mr Peter Bayliff OBE, Chair of the Governors, delivered a warm speech about Mr Collinge and his legacy. Jeff Collinge was a man of vision, dedication, and expertise who played a significant role in the history and development of the BSN.

As a Governor, he was the project manager for merging the separate Middle and Senior Schools and the move to the Voorschoten campus. He advised on the construction of the new campus and oversaw the laying of the foundation stone in 1977.

Photo: Mr Collinge, far right

A civil engineer by profession, his career included leading major projects such as the construction of the Shell Chemicals Park in Moerdijk, a landmark in industrial engineering. More than an engineer, he was a builder of institutions, communities, and knowledge. In 1981, he was awarded an MBE for services to the British community in the Netherlands.

The BSN was excited to share a video keynote address from BSN alumnus and renowned climate scientist Professor Myles Allen CBE, who is currently Head of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics and Professor of Geosystem Science at the University of Oxford. In his speech, which he recorded especially for this event, Prof. Allen advocated a collaborative approach to tackle climate change that involves engaging with different stakeholders and designing policies that will work for everyone. He ended with the positive message that he believes it is possible to fix the problem of climate change with the technology we have today without abandoning the dream of economic growth or eradicating poverty.

A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to see and even participate in live demonstrations in one of the laboratories. BSN students led these experiments confidently and responsibly, sharing their science knowledge and enthusiastically interacting with guests.

Our student ambassadors, leaders and volunteers also did a fantastic job supporting the event in other roles, e.g., greeting and accompanying guests and serving refreshments, dressed in lab coats and safety glasses. Their positivity, flexibility, and ability to make decisions and take responsibility for tasks/areas helped make this event a big success. Guests also enjoyed live musical performances on the flute and piano by two talented Year 7 students who went on to participate in the COBIS Music Festival in Doha.

Preserving the heritage of The British School in the Netherlands is important. We are proud of our rich 94-year history, which continues to shape our identity. Mr. Collinge’s legacy is a tangible example of building on the past for the benefit of current and future students, as well as a testament to his strong personal connection to the school. Naming the Collinge Chemistry Laboratories after him is a fitting way to demonstrate our gratitude for his contributions and ensure his legacy lives on.

Thanks to the Communications and Admissions department for organising this memorable event in collaboration with the Science, Drama, and Music departments and the concierges at SSV.