Three S5 pupils from St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen are shooting for the stars after securing places on
the University of Strathclyde’s Scottish Space School programme.
The students
are three of only 100 participants selected from more than 530 hopefuls.
Libby, Ogo, and Lena will
join aspiring young engineers from across Scotland for five days of hands-on
sessions offering insight into the wide range of opportunities available within
the engineering and space sectors.
Taking place from the 8-12
June, pupils will get the opportunity to meet NASA astronauts and engineers
through a series of lectures and small-group discussions organised by the
Scottish Space School Foundation.
Originally launched in 2004
with funding support from Careers Scotland, the programme, which has been led
by the University of Strathclyde since 2011, continues to inspire and encourage
the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators across Scotland.
St Margaret’s has long been
committed to challenging gender stereotypes in career choices and
actively champions space, aviation, and engineering through a range of STEM
initiatives designed to spark interest in future study and career pathways in these
fields.
Anna Tomlinson, Headteacher at St Margaret’s School for Girls, said: “Opportunities like this are incredibly important in broadening horizons and showing what is possible. In particular, experiences of this kind can play a key role in encouraging more young women to see themselves in future STEM careers and to feel confident pursuing those pathways.
“Congratulations to Libby, Ogo, and Lena. We are incredibly proud of them and look forward to the new skills, insights and inspiration they will bring back to share with their peers.”
Lena, S5 pupil who secured a place on the programme, said: “This opportunity is truly a dream come true and I am incredibly grateful to be part of it. I am so excited to develop my passion for space and aerospace engineering. Getting to learn directly from actual NASA astronauts and researchers is incredible. I am also really looking forward to teaming up with everyone for the group challenges to expand my hands-on experience in aerospace."
Professor Campbell Booth, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Strathclyde’s Faculty of Engineering, said: “The space sector offers a vast range of fulfilling career opportunities to skilled professionals. Many people now working in the sector qualified from Strathclyde and many studied here after gaining valuable experience at the Scottish Space School.
“It is always a pleasure to see the talent and enthusiasm of everyone who attends the Space School and we are sure that the pupils from St Margaret’s will share in an enjoyable and educational experience. We extend a warm welcome to them and wish them every success in the future.”