Yesterday, Oakley Vale Primary School in Corby was honoured to welcome esteemed astronaut educator, Mike Mongo, to lead the Starflight Academy – an innovative programme developed by RM Technology and SaxaVord Spaceport designed to bring space-based STEAM education to life for students.
The goal of the Starflight Academy is to fully immerse children in STEAM subjects through the captivating lens of space exploration, integrating the arts into STEM and emphasising creativity, experimentation, and exploration. Given that space plays a significant role in the UK’s economy, contributing over £16.4 billion per year and employing over 45,000 people, this programme equips the next generation for careers in the rapidly expanding space industry.
Students at Oakley Vale Primary School were delighted to have Mike Mongo present the inaugural lesson titled ‘Exploring Spaceports’, with the aim of igniting a lifelong interest in space science and inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.
With 120 schools across the UK, including the Brooke Weston Trust, enrolling in the Starflight Academy, the programme is set to enrich the primary school curriculum and offer a unique opportunity for children to engage with space science in innovative ways.
Mike Mongo expressed his enthusiasm for the progress being made in nurturing STEAM talent from a young age in the UK, firmly believing that the country is well-positioned to lead the future of space exploration.
Educational Technologist at RM Technology, Mel Parker, underscored the vital role of STEAM in today’s society, emphasising the impact of inspiring students to pursue further education and careers in technology through STEAM learning. The Starflight Academy presents teachers with a thrilling opportunity to breathe life into STEAM education and nurture creativity in the classroom.
Principal S Sanders of Oakley Vale Primary School acknowledged the challenge of inspiring students to engage with STEAM subjects but expressed enthusiasm for the distinctive engagement opportunities offered by the Starflight Academy. Mike’s lesson left students eager to delve deeper into the universe, foreshadowing an exciting journey ahead.
For those seeking more information about RM Technology’s Starflight Academy, additional details can be found at https://www.rm.com/space.