Following Peake’s launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in December, clear January skies over Saffron Walden provided a perfect setting for a Stargazing evening at Dame Bradbury’s School. Over 200 parents and pupils from across the Foundation came together for constellation spotting, telescope viewing and a planetarium talk. With support from the North Essex Astronomical Society and the University of Cambridge Astronomical Society – facts-a-plenty were consumed, along with lashings of hot chocolate and marshmallows!
In February, 15 teams of Year 4 pupils from the Stephen Perse Junior School and Dame Bradbury’s developed their collaborative skills through a Space Mission Project Day. Inspired by Tim Peake’s progress, the children worked together to plan, launch and crew their very own mission.
At the Junior School, footage of Tim Peake on the ISS launched Year 6’s Space Week as part of an assembly covering everything from Newton’s theories to future space travel. During an action-packed week, pupils launched rockets, visited the National Space Centre, planned space missions, performed scientific experiments and created posters presenting new theories on space. This themed, integrated approach to learning proved very popular with pupils, as Emma reflects: “I thought it was such fun to choose a planet for the mission I got to plan. I learnt so much about the different planets and what it is like to be an astronaut.”
From tuning-in for Tim Peake’s first space walk, a visit from an ‘alien librarian’ and trips to the brilliant Cambridge Science Centre, through to reflection on the creative life of the Space Oddity himself, David Bowie – space has provided endless learning opportunities across the Foundation.
Tricia Kelleher, Principal of the Stephen Perse Foundation comments: “Our creative approach to learning allows us to explore innovative ways to work across subjects that have a natural synergy to explore topics such as space in new and engaging ways. By drawing on topical issues – such as Tim Peake’s adventures – we can ensure learning is relevant, meaningful and most of all fun. Collaborative project days, events for parents and topic weeks are just a few examples of our creative education in action.”
Cambridge Science Centre @camsciencecntr
National Space Centre @spacecentre
About the Stephen Perse Foundation
The Stephen Perse Foundation is different. We prepare young people for life in an ever-changing, global and digital world. Through our global outlook we connect students to a world of inspiring opportunities.
By teaching students to think for themselves, we achieve exceptional results – but for us, education is not just about grades. We see the individual behind the results. We develop strength of character, a sense of social responsibility and an ability to innovate and collaborate.
By celebrating diversity and collaboration in school and with our wider community we encourage students to choose a path that is right for them. We recognise potential in every child and inspire young people to achieve their dreams - guiding them every step of the way.
A Stephen Perse Foundation education is about character – about who you become. Find out more: http://www.stephenperse.com/about
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Contact information:
Jeanette Ariano, Communications & Marketing Manager, The Stephen Perse Foundation, Union Road, Cambridge
Tel: 01223 454724, Email: jla@stephenperse.com
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