“Our students come from incredibly diverse backgrounds, and many haven’t had the chance to look through a telescope before. Project First Light brings the universe directly to them. It makes science feel real, immediate, and exciting. We want our kids to see themselves as explorers, scientists, and problem-solvers—and there’s nothing quite like seeing Saturn’s rings or a distant galaxy to spark that transformation.”

Mr B Wilkes - Senior Leader

The school plans to use the telescope loan to enhance learning, enrichment and community engagement across a range of areas. Within the science curriculum, pupils will have opportunities to observe the Sun, Moon and planets, developing their understanding of astronomy through direct observation and astrophotography.

The telescope will also be used to raise aspirations and broaden pupils' cultural capital. The school intends to establish a Space Club, enabling children to capture images of the night sky and further explore astronomy. Links will be developed with local secondary school science departments to strengthen progression pathways and provide additional opportunities for learning. By showcasing pupils' images, for example through a gallery on the school website, the school aims to help children see themselves as scientists and develop a greater interest in STEM subjects.

In addition, the telescope will support cross-curricular learning beyond science. Activities will contribute to computing through image processing and digital technologies, to art and design through creative responses to astronomical images, to mathematics through measurement and data analysis, and to English through discussion, writing and research tasks linked to space and exploration.

The school also plans to use the telescope as a focus for enrichment and family engagement. This will include a telescope loan system and wider opportunities for families to participate in astronomy-related activities on the school site, helping to strengthen links between home and school while fostering a shared interest in science and discovery.

“There’s a real gender gap in physics and astronomy, and we’re determined to change that. Our students are ambitious and curious, and this project gives them access to equipment and ideas they wouldn’t normally encounter. It’s not just about looking up at the sky—it’s about raising aspirations and showing our girls that they belong in science.”

Ms. Amina Rahman, STEM Coordinator