SCHOOL NEWS: In a galaxy far, far away – well, not that far away to be honest

STAFF and pupils at a primary school near Ilminster are jumping for joy after learning today that the school’s application to join the Tim Peake Primary Space Project has been successful.

Out of over 2,000 applications, Neroche Primary School at Broadway ws told today (Monday, July 11, 2016) that it is one of just 22 schools in the entire South West Region to have been selected to take part in the project.

Teachers at the school will be receiving additional science training, delivered by a European Space Agency “Ambassador” and the children in the school will be taking part in a number of space related units of work during 2016 and 2017.

Some of the projects the children will be taking part in include: Is anyone out there? An analysis of Martian soil samples to find evidence of life. Mission X: Train like an astronaut, exploring nutrition, science and exercise. Imaging our Earth: Taking satellite images of the earth, using mathematics and geography skills. The International Space Station: Discovering what it is like to live on the international space station.

PHOTO – TOP: British astronaut Tim Peake.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Neroche Primary School headteacher Connel Boyle.

Neroche headteacher Connel Boyle said:  “My main ambition when I became a teacher was to inspire a love of learning in children.

“This project will not only inspire our children but also our staff and community! Tim Peake’s achievements in space have already inspired interest in science across the country we now have an amazing opportunity to build on this interest and help us to not only spark new interests but raise aspirations on what can be achieved.

“I am so grateful our school and children have been given this great opportunity.”

Tim Peake become the first British astronaut for the European Space Agency and was based on the International Space Station from December 15, 2015, through to June 18, 2016.

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