Hundreds of local primary school children are enjoying two weeks of science and space master classes at Bradford Grammar School (BGS).
More than 340 children have been investigating questions such as: what does a satellite look like? What materials make a satellite? What do satellites do? How do satellites get into space? during the classes, which run until July 19.
The children have been working in teams with technology expert Tim Rogers, of Future Transformation, to design their own satellites and learn about the high-tech space industries located in Yorkshire.
The levels of engagement and enthusiasm have been superb after a year of educational disruption, and the opportunity to build and launch water rockets at the end of each session has been a highlight.
The project has heralded the start of a partnership between BGS and Tim Rogers of Future Transformation. Tim has worked in the media, conservation and technology sectors across the world. Since childhood, Tim has developed a strong passion for space exploration and understanding the universe. He is a STEM Ambassador and sits on various technology boards across the Leeds City Region.
Said Tim: “There’s been a real buzz and excitement this past fortnight. The children have had a great time and learnt something about satellites, rockets and high-tech space industries. It’s inspiring to think that we might have lit a spark in the engineers and scientists of the future. The young people of our region have so much potential and we want to show them what they can achieve.”
BGS Headmaster, Dr Simon Hinchliffe, said: “It’s been great fun working in partnership with Tim and colleagues at local schools. It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with local enterprises and educators. Our satellite design project and launching of water rockets on the school fields was a resounding success. The children had a great time and everyone at Bradford Grammar is excited to see where our partnership goes next.”
The schools taking part included:
- Lady Royd Primary
- Frizinghall Primary
- Victoria Primary
- Margaret McMillan Primary
- High Crags Primary
- St Cuthbert’s Primary
The master classes have been run ahead of Bradford Tech Week, which this year runs from October 18-22 and is part sponsored by CityFibre. The event was launched last year to make young people aware about the opportunities that exist within tech in Bradford.
Last year, the week attracted support from companies such as Morrisons, Emerald, IBM, Openreach, CityFibre and PwC.
“It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with local enterprises and educators.”
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