A CLASSROOM was transformed into a mad scientist’s laboratory, complete with skulls, bubbling test tubes, cobwebs and smoke this week.

The makeover was part of Wanstead High School’s novel approach to getting their pupils to take an interest in Frankenstein.

Teachers also dressed up as monsters and mad scientists and discussed the classic story with their students while in character.

The three-day workshop saw 30 students, aged between 13 and 14, discuss the themes in the novel and create their own comic books based on key scenes from the book.

They’ll be reading Frankenstein as part of their GCSE English exams next year, and teachers wanted to get them excited about the story.

English teacher Matt Cooley, said: “The story of Frankenstein is amazing, but the text is quite old fashioned.

“Some of the kids find it quite impenetrable at times, so we wanted to bring it to life for them.”

Mr Cooley took lessons dressed as a mad lab assistant, while fellow teacher Kirsty Reid dressed up as a crazed hag.

Mr Cooley added: “When the kids first walked into the classroom, they couldn’t believe the transformation. They said it looked like a film set.

“They really seem to have enjoyed it and their behaviour has been excellent.

“They are definitely enjoying putting the comic together.

“Hopefully when they come to study the book next year, they’ll be excited rather than fed up about having to read a dusty old novel.”

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