By Mrs Woodhouse (Year 5 Teacher)

On Friday 5th December, Year 5 enjoyed a visit that took their learning well beyond the classroom walls. As part of their PYP unit How the World Works, they have been exploring how questions and ideas shape our understanding of the universe. The National Space Centre in Leicester proved an ideal setting to extend this work.

From the moment the girls arrived, they were surrounded by displays that encouraged thoughtful exploration. Rockets rose above them, constellations glittered around them and they encountered the scientific themes they have been discussing in school. They considered how knowledge develops, how human understanding of space has changed over time and the ways in which technology supports discovery.

A highlight of the day was the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium show Astronaut. With immersive sound and visuals, the girls gained an insight into life beyond Earth. They watched launch sequences, observed astronaut training and experienced a sense of floating inside the International Space Station. The experience left them buzzing with new questions and a wider appreciation of the science and creativity involved in space exploration.

The girls continued their investigations throughout the galleries, exploring interactive models, spacecraft and astronaut equipment. They applied their research, thinking and communication skills as they tested their understanding of planetary systems, experimented with engineering activities and compared early space technology with the modern innovations they have studied in class.

Back at school, the visit is now inspiring their final art pieces, scientific explanations and written reflections for the in-house Universe Curiosity Fair. Year 5 returned with renewed interest and enthusiasm for learning together and a greater sense of the questions that guide our exploration of the cosmos.