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10 June 2004
The secrets of space will be revealed this week, as some of the world’s leading astronauts and scientists touch down in Glasgow to attend the first Scottish Summer Space School.
The residential Summer School will be held in the University of Strathclyde and officially launched today (Thursday 10 June 2004), at the University’s Barony Hall.
More than 90 fifth year school pupils have been chosen to attend the nine day event, which has been organised by the Scottish Space School Foundation, a partnership between Careers Scotland, the Scottish Executive and the International Space Community.
The young people are all students of the Scottish Space School Foundation, which runs programmes across Scotland to increase the participation and motivation of school students in science and technology. They have successfully completed a programme of distance learning which has been developed by NASA and is designed to supplement their studies in Higher Grade Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
The Summer School is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the young people who come from schools across Scotland. It will be led by senior National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) officials representing a broad range of science and engineering backgrounds.
The nine days will involve a full timetable of space related learning activities including lectures and group work to boost the students’ skills in science, technology and enterprise. The department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde will fully support the programme of activities.
A trip to BAE Systems in Edinburgh, a visit to Glasgow Science Centre and a variety of guest speakers are also on the agenda. The residential stay will include a full social programme including an outward bound course at Loch Eil over the weekend.
The Scottish Summer Space School is part of Scotland’s Festival of Science and Enterprise - a two week programme organised by Careers Scotland that aims to encourage young people to get involved in the subjects.
Careers Scotland expects more than 15,000 pupils from across Scotland to meet the astronauts and scientists from NASA and ESA over the Festival period.
Alex Blackwood, head of enterprise in education, Careers Scotland, said: “The Scottish Summer Space School is designed to inspire young people and celebrate their success. It is a remarkable opportunity for them to understand the significance of science and technology in an original and entertaining environment. They will meet some of the world’s leading scientists, many of whom have experienced space travel.
“The Summer School will give the young people a fascinating insight into the wide range of career opportunities available to them and we also expect the stay to boost their confidence and team building skills.”
Notes to editors
· The Summer Space School will be launched today 10 June 2004 at the Barony Hall, University of Strathclyde, Rottenrow East, Glasgow, G1 1XQ. The young people and astronauts will be available for interviews and photography from midday. If you have not received your invitation for this event please call Lucy Robb /.
· There will be opportunities for reporters/photographers throughout the nine days. A full list of participants and their schools is available.
· Careers Scotland is Scotland’s all-age guidance organisation for individuals and employers and offers the most comprehensive and independent advice on employment, enterprise and learning opportunities.
Its role is to help and inspire everyone in Scotland to maximise their career potential, support employers and improve the operation of the labour market. Careers Scotland operates centres throughout Scotland and can be contacted through its website www.careers-scotland.org.uk and on 0845 8 502 502.
Careers Scotland is part of Scottish Enterprise and Highland and Islands Enterprise.
· For more information about the Scottish Space School Foundation please click http://www.spacefoundation-scotland.org.uk
For more information: Lucy Robb
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