Astro Stars

Our budding astronomers and space enthusiasts have had a stellar term.

Ten students entered this year’s Junior Astro Challenge, all coming away with medals. The annual competition, run by the British Physics Olympiad, challenges students to solve problems and test their knowledge of astronomy.  Entrants were quizzed on the Solar System, the Moon, observational techniques, diurnal cycles, star patterns, and general astronomical knowledge.  Most who take part are GCSE students, so it was particularly impressive that half our medallists are only in Year 9, testament to their commitment and aspiration. Congratulations to our Gold Medallists – Ella, Katla and Talia in Year 11; our Silver Medallists – Clara in Year 11, Keya in Year 10 and Sofia in Year 9; and our Bronze Medallists – Alice, Ksenia, Olivia and Sanah in Year 9.

Meanwhile, our student-led Space Society entered the London regionals of the UK Space Design Competition, tasked with forming an engineering company and designing a crewed space settlement within our solar system, set between 40 and 80 years in the future. Congratulations to Clara, Ella and Talia in Year 11 and Sixth Formers Aisling, Irene and Kaelyn, whose team placed second – a fantastic achievement. They were subsequently invited to participate in the digital regionals but, with most students unavailable, only Clara went on to represent South Hampstead, joining pupils from other schools; the combined team won the competition and have now qualified for the UK nationals at Imperial College in March! The winners of the nationals go on to represent the UK in the international competition supported by NASA and the European Space Agency – watch this space…