PUPILS from Hartford Manor Primary School’s year two classes had a blast during their rocket science day.

As part of the year two science topic, which includes the Tim Peake Primary Project, where the children follow British astronaut Tim on his journey into space and life on the International Space Station, pupils learned how to make a rocket and launched them.

The day was made possible with the help of Julie Wiskow, a Space Ambassador with the European Space Education Resource Office, who organised for STEM Ambassadors, retired rocket scientists Roger Gittins and Dave Thompson, to visit, and brought along the Sokol Spacesuit, similar to the one Tim Peake wore when he flew to the space station.

STEMNET, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network, creates opportunities to inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

It runs the UK’s only network of STEM Ambassadors, people who volunteer their time and support to promote STEM subjects to young learners.

The day at Hartford Manor started with an assembly teaching the children about space and rocket flight, along with a parading of the Sokol spacesuit by deputy head teacher Jan Diamond.

Roger and Dave worked with the children to build their rockets, and pupils were able to handle a Sokol spacesuit, the make Tim Peake wore when travelling to the space station in the Soyuz spacecraft.

They attempted to write their name while wearing one of the gloves, with varying degrees of success.

In the afternoon, to the children’s delight, each rocket was test fired.

Julie Wiskow said: “It was wonderful to see the children so engaged in their learning.

“Space is a fantastic motivational hook, and the presence of Tim Peake on the International Space Station is enabling educators across the country to promote science in an exciting and truly relevant way.”

Head teacher Simon Kidwell said: “It gives me great professional pride to see the experiences on offer at Hartford Manor.

“The quality of our curriculum is outstanding; it inspires our children to learn and gives them opportunities to apply their skills in a variety of contexts.”