YEAR 11 GCSE astronomers at Middlewich High School are taking part in a national competition to interact with the team behind the Principia mission to the International Space Station (ISS). 

On December 15, Major Tim Peake will be launched on a Soyuz rocket for a four-month stay on the ISS. If the Middlewich High pupils are successful, the first prize will be to link up with Tim on the ISS for a live chat. 

The pupils have to come up with questions to ask the Principia team about Tim’s stay.

This project is to raise the profile of STEM subjects at Middlewich High School and inspire future generations of scientists, engineers and mathematicians.