Three pupils from Treorchy Comprehensive School were part of the winning team at ‘Mission Discovery’ and will see their project heading to the International Space Station.
On Monday 8 July, 24 students in years 11 and 12 from 7 schools across RCT left for Kings College London to take part in a weeklong space summer school called ‘Mission Discovery’. The pupils worked hard during the week designing experiments that could be launched into space, with the help of astronaut Dafydd ‘Dave’ Williams and NASA specialist Sarah Murray.
Mission Discovery is a space related summer school ran by the International Space School Educational Trust which welcomes students from the UK and internationally. The Mission Discovery school is centred around developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths but also provides a unique opportunity for young people to connect, gain insights from NASA astronauts, and collaborate on a project that could launch to the International Space Station.
Harry, Alan and Zhuoyi, pupils from Treorchy Comprehensive School, were part of the winning team and will see their experiment heading to the International Space Station! The experiment hopes to test if quantum light can be produced in space.
The summer school took place between the 8th – 12th July and Pupils from Hawthorn High School, Mountain Ash, Pontypridd High School, Porth Community School, Tonyrefail Community School, Treorchy Comprehensive School, and Ysgol Cwm Rhondda attended the summer school; to take part.
Jennifer Ford, Head Teacher at Treorchy Comprehensive School, says: “The Mission Discovery project was extremely beneficial to our students, they developed their teamwork, creativity and leadership skills, and produced a fantastic experiment. We’re very excited to see how their experiment does at the International Space Station, and how this will inspire our students. We are very proud of them, and the feedback about the experience has been out of this world – pun intended!”
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language, said: “What an exciting time for Harry, Alan and Zhuoyi as their experiment is on its way to space! The summer school has provided them with invaluable experiences and inspired them to use their new knowledge and experiences within the classroom and to share with fellow pupils.
“The Mission Discovery project, which is part funded by the Council highlights our ongoing commitment to providing opportunity to learners across our County Borough.”
Posted on 12/08/2024