Jul 14, 2010

Over twenty teachers from across the County attended a Devon Education Business Partnership teacher day, hosted by Ashfords Solicitors. The purpose of the event was to showcase to teachers how the ‘hook’ of space can help young people learn and understand physics, chemistry, maths and geography.

Guest speaker Anu Ojha, Director of Education at the National Space Centre presented a morning workshop demonstrating practical science experiments as a means of teaching the national curriculum. Teachers spent the day as students and learnt how to make a telescope, create a comet, build a rocket and understand the economic potential of space exploration.

The opportunity to hear from such an exciting and internationally recognised speaker was one that was greeted by enthusiasm from the teachers. Anu was recently appointed by the European Space Agency as a ‘Space Champion’ to showcase how UK and European space science and astronomy can be successfully used in the classroom. He is currently supporting two NASA programmes on the use of GPS (Global Position System) and EO (Earth Observation) in high school teaching.

The National Space has just confirmed a science teacher training programme for Devon & Torbay later this year, as well as a number of master classes for a few lucky students.

The morning workshop was then followed by an equally enthusiastic and energetic speaker. Ian Fraser Executive Head for Nottinghamshire County Council presented on how schools can work with business and be enterprising in economically difficult times. Ian Fraser explained how he with his team had managed to create ‘Ashfields Skill Centre’ in Nottinghamshire. This £6m build ensures education is delivered through a unique partnership with industry. Ian provided advice to teachers on how to approach funding issues, and illustrated the significance of connecting young people to business ventures. The school boasts 10 local, national and international companies on site, which are provided with top quality facilities in exchange for contributing to the school curriculum.

Contribution by Katie Snow of the Reach Academy, Exeter College