Pupils reach for stars on tour of the planets

11:36am Thursday 6th March 2008

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PUPILS in Corsham have been taken on a voyage through space from the comfort of their school hall.

More than 100 children from Corsham Regis Primary School took part in the Space Odyssey project in which they watched presentations on space in a giant inflatable planetarium on Friday.

The event was organised by Devon-based science teacher Simon Ould, a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

He took four separate classes designed to help the pupils understand science concepts and help the Year 6 pupils with up coming SATs exams. Mr Ould also discussed recent scientific developments and how the solar system works.

He showed the children where to look for the planets in the night skies and how to recognise star patterns.

Mr Ould said: "It was a pleasure to be invited to Corsham Regis, which is clearly a dynamic school offering wonderful learning opportunities.

"The children were all very polite, well behaved, enthusiastic and keen to learn."

Mr Ould founded the Space Odyssey mobile planetarium in 2004 and since then more than 48,000 children across the country have seen his presentations.

Acting deputy head Pam Gregory said: "It was an incredible experience for the children to enjoy the wonders of space in such a unique way.

"The children were able to consolidate what they have already leant about space and secure their knowledge for the forthcoming SATs.

"Corsham Regis will most certainly be booking a return visit from Space Odyssey."