Stellar experience at Ss Peter and Paul’s

It was an out-of-this-world experience, when pupils at Ss Peter and Paul’s Catholic Primary joined forces with Kielder Observatory for a series of space-themed workshops.

The 21 Key Stage 2 children from the school in Cramlington took part in the sessions through the Stellar Futures programme, which saw them explore the wonders of the universe under the guidance of experts in the field.

“Each week they joined a Teams meeting with Ishbel, our astronomer from Kielder Observatory, and then proceeded to complete creative projects,” said Science Lead Lorraine Metcalf, who runs the school’s Space Club.

“Pupils learned about a range of topics, including constellations, the Solar System, the Sun, electromagnetic spectrum, and the Aurora Borealis. This is the second time we have run the Club, and this year it was oversubscribed.”

The partnership between Ss Peter and Paul’s and the observatory grew out of a science day at the school.

“Adam visited us with the inflatable planetarium and other activities, and his enthusiasm was infectious,” continued Mrs Metcalf.

“When he offered us a chance to take part in the Stellar Futures outreach programme, we jumped at the chance.”

“A special highlight was an evening with Adam and James, where pupils used telescopes to observe the night sky, identifying stars, planets, and constellations, while also having the rare opportunity to examine a range of meteorites up close, including one from Mars,” she added.

“They also had the opportunity to step inside an inflatable planetarium and observe the night sky. This experience helped students develop key skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, all while inspiring a sense of awe about space and science which will hopefully last a lifetime.”