Devizes
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Students have far-out learning experience
Last week over 200 children at St. Joseph's
Catholic Primary School in Devizes were seemingly transported to outer space when
one of the UK's most advanced mobile planetaria came to their school.
Former Devizes School science teacher Simon Ould brought the Space Odyssey mobile
planetarium to the main hall at St. Joseph's to teach the children many fascinating facts
about the solar system and the stars far beyond.
Every class in the school, from Reception to Year 6, came in turn to enter the Pioneer
inflatable dome. Mr Ould (36), a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, told the
children some of the latest news from space, including the recent discovery of so-called
"peanut stars", before using a wealth of hi-tech software and equipment to explore Outer
Space. He guided the children from planet Earth, via the Moon and planets of our solar
system, to think of the stars of our Galaxy and many of the beautiful constellations and
patterns in the night skies, including Orion, Leo, the Plough and the Summer Triangle.
Using his extensive teaching experience, Mr Ould adapted the content and delivery of
each presentation to be appropriate for each class coming into the dome. The
presentation for the Year 6 children, for example, was carefully planned to include key
ideas the children may be quizzed about during their SATs tests in May.
Emerging from the dome, the children were abuzz with excitement and eager to talk
about the amazing experiences they had shared. One Year 6 pupil, Julia, said, "When I
entered the dome, it was dark and magical. I almost felt as if I was floating in space and
I learned loads in a fun way". Another student, Crea, added, "Space Odyssey was like a
door into the stars and planets - it was truly beautiful. I will never forget my adventure
into space". Her classmate Archie said, "It is a remarkable, fun way to learn for all
schools". Another pupil, Henry, added, "It was brilliant! I want to do it again". Fellow
Year 6 pupil Izzy said simply, "Space Odyssey was absolutely amazing"!
Staff at St Joseph's were also impressed by what they had seen. Miss Holly Martin said
afterwards, "It was wonderful passing children excitedly whispering that it was one of the
best lessons they'd every had. We are always looking for ways to provoke awe and
wonder and this was just the ticket". The school's Headteacher, Mrs Sheila Jones,
added, "The feedback from the staff and children has been very good. They all enjoyed
their experiences in the dome".
Mr Ould later commented, "I have visited hundreds of different schools in the past three
years and I have to say, St Joseph's stands out as being a particularly lovely school.
The children hold the staff in high esteem, were all unfailingly polite and enthusiastic
during my visit and clearly have a burning desire to learn. As a teacher myself, I
detected a strong sense of pride in their school, shared by the staff and pupils alike. It
was a real pleasure to take the Space Odyssey planetarium to their school".
3:18pm Monday 5th May 2008
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