Pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Newton Aycliffe enjoyed an unforgettable Space Week as they welcomed Kielder Observatory into school for a series of exciting and educational activities.

As part of the celebrations, every class had the opportunity to step inside an inflatable planetarium, transforming the school hall into a journey through the wonders of space. Children explored the planets in our solar system, discovered fascinating facts about the universe and learned how to identify different constellations in the night sky.

Alongside the planetarium experience, pupils took part in engaging workshops focusing on either the science of light or the study of space rocks and meteorites. The hands-on sessions encouraged curiosity, investigation and scientific thinking, giving children the chance to learn through exploration and discovery.

The visit formed part of Kielder Observatory’s expanding schools programme, which brings astronomy and space education directly into schools. Using specialist resources, including its inflatable planetarium and meteorite collection, the programme helps pupils experience the excitement of science in an interactive and memorable way.

Throughout the day, St Joseph’s pupils showed great enthusiasm as they explored new concepts and deepened their understanding of the world beyond Earth. The activities inspired awe and wonder, helping to spark an interest in science, space and astronomy among the school’s young learners.

The school would like to thank Kielder Observatory for delivering such an engaging experience and helping to make Space Week a memorable event for all.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Newton Aycliffe is committed to providing enriching learning opportunities that inspire children, broaden their horizons and bring classroom topics to life through memorable experiences.