1. Reach for the stars! Shoeburyness High School Space Academy How to plan a space-themed Science curriculum

2. Background Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Applied to the ‘Leading Space Education Programme’ (SSAT/STFC/BNSC) in July 2008 Designated an LSEP School in September 2008 3 year project, funded by STFC Thirty schools nationwide selected to take part

3. Leading Space Education Project Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Aim:  to promote the space science in schools  raise awareness of the British space industry  raise student aspirations Key themes:  Curriculum  Aspirations  Outreach  Industry & HE links

4. Shoeburyness Space School Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Main focus at our school - our students!  Often low aspirations  Often lack of awareness of the importance of Science Need provision which is:  Inspiring  Motivational  Exciting  Practical – hands-on

5. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy September 2008 - already adopted the first year (Year 7) of a new two year Key Stage 3 course ‘Personalised’ Science course taking account of our local context Needed a Year 8 course to build on this foundation

6. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Space Academy The Universe Human Survival Materials for Space Planetary Chemistry Space Travel Astrobiology

7. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy The Universe :  The Solar System  Stars & Galaxies  The wider Universe

8. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Human Survival :  The Requirements of Life  Cells & Organs  Reproduction & Genetics

9. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Materials for Space :  States of Matter  Elements & Compounds  Metals & non-metals  Polymers

10. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Space Travel :  Forces & Gravity  Pressure  Light & Sound

11. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Planetary Chemistry  Reactions  Reactivity & Displacement  Extracting useful materials

12. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Astrobiology  Photosynthesis & Respiration  Interdependence & Competition  Adaptation & Evolution

13. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Careers Education  Why Science? Why Space?

14. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Challenges :  Time for development of resources – whole course developed from scratch!  Finding appropriate contexts for some topics Solutions :  Find resources; seek help!

15. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Advantages:  Totally personalised to our school and pupils  Increased motivation and inspiration amongst students and teachers!

16. The Space Academy Course Shoeburyness High School Space Academy Outcomes:  Over three years, 80%+ of pupils ratedYear 8 Science ‘Good’ or better (previous years 62%)  Recorded behavioural incidents reduced in first year of the course  Teachers feel greater flexibility and enjoyment teaching ‘our course’…and pride!!!