CHILDREN as young as five are determined to be the next generation of astronauts after a team from the UK Space Agency visited their Calne school.

The pupils at St Margaret’s Preparatory School were excited and inspired by the visit organised for Space Da by reception class teacher, Kim Callaway.

She said: ‘The children were incredibly excited. As soon as they knew about the event there was an instant flurry of hands volunteering to be the next people in space.’

The day started with an assembly which would enable the whole school to meet the the visitors, who included two St Margaret’s parents, Catherine Mealing-Jones, who leads the agency’s goal of growing the UK’s space sector and Beth Greenaway, Head of the Earth Observations and Climate, along with Tony Forsythe, the Technology and Innovations Standards and Local Growth Manager.

During the day, children from the Reception class and Year 6 had the chance to design their own rockets, from which three were chosen to be launched in the school grounds. There was also an opportunity to try on spacesuits and learn about the sort of food astronauts eat in space.

Mrs Callaway said: "The winning rocket designs were chosen by the visitors from the UK Space Agency and the other designs were retained to be displayed and viewed by parents, pupils and staff during the St Margaret’s Open Day celebrations at the end of June.

"Space Day was a catalyst for enabling the children in Reception and Year 6 to collaboratively demonstrate and develop a range of effective learning skills. The activities were delivered in such a fun and practical way, which generated excitement and engagement, allowing the children to develop their higher level thinking and questioning skills.

"The children appreciated the purpose of space research and showed a passion to be part of future explorations. It ignited excitement in the younger pupils about engaging in scientific investigations and experiments, and inspired the older children to consider taking a leap into careers linked to space."