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UKSA Space to Learn

Physics Focused Masterclasses, Careers Conferences and Space Camps run by the National Space Academy, with funding from the UK Space Agency

Space to Learn is a national project, featuring local experts leading high-quality, curriculum-based activities free of charge to schools across the UK. The programme removes barriers to opportunity and uses the exciting context of space to inspire and broaden the horizons of the next generation.

Masterclasses

Our masterclasses are aimed at students aged 11 to 16 (half day sessions) and 16 to 18 (full day sessions). They highlight the science, scope and possibilities within the UK space industry and will be delivered by qualified, specially trained teachers equipped with a fantastic package of kit. Masterclasses are closely linked to the curriculum and feature exciting hands-on learning opportunities.

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Topics include:

  • Human Space Flight
  • Satellites and Gravity
  • Astronomy
  • Spectroscopy
  • Threats from Above
  • Asteroids
  • Artemis and Beyond
  • Life in Space
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Our teachers

We have a network of specially trained outstanding science teachers based across the UK who are ready to bring our stellar space education to your students. Space Advocates receive specialist training and a fantastic package of kit to bring space science to life.

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Careers Conferences

Our one-day careers conferences will take place across the UK and will include workshops, activities, and speakers from relevant industry settings. We’re partnering with a range of businesses to provide real-life examples of a variety of career paths. Our conferences are aimed at students aged 14 to 16, and 16 to 18. 

If you represent a business working in any STEM industry and would be interested in teaming up with us, then we’d love to hear from you. Our business collaborations are a fantastic way to connect with your local communities and help inspire the next generation to see that no career path is out of reach. Scroll down to the Business Enquiry dropdown menu where you will find everything you need to know about getting involved.

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Space Camps

Join us for a multi-day non-residential camp, featuring workshops, talks by expert educators, and a host of hands-on activities. Camps will provide your students with transferable skills in STEM subjects, inspiring them to explore further. Our senior camps are aimed at a post-16 audience, while our junior camps are aimed at 10- to 13-year-olds.

We’ll be working with a range of local businesses to support delivery of these camps, providing real-life examples of how science is used in various industries. If you represent a business working in any STEM industry and would be interested in teaming up with us, then we’d love to hear from you. Our business collaborations are a fantastic way to connect with your local communities and help inspire the next generation to see that no career path is out of reach. Scroll down to the Business Enquiry dropdown menu where you will find everything you need to know about getting involved.

Important Information

Please note that funding is limited and is offered on a first come first served basis, with priority given to schools who meet any of the criteria.

Please note that all schools can enquire for a Masterclass, but priority will be given to the schools who meet any of the following criteria:

  • Schools which have an existing relationship with the Jon Egging Trust (JET)
  • Schools which do not have a specialised Physics Teacher
  • Schools which are located in areas of deprivation

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For schools in England:

  • Schools that have 40% of their children receiving pupil premium
  • Schools that have 10% of their children receiving pupil premium
  • Schools who achieved Requires Improvement or Inadequate in their most recent Ofsted report

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For schools in Scotland:

  • Schools that have 40% of their children receiving pupil equity funding
  • Schools that have 10% of their children receiving pupil equity funding
  • Schools who achieved Satisfactory, Weak or Unsatisfactory in their most recent Inspection report

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For schools in Wales:

  • Schools that have 40% of their children receiving pupil development grant
  • Schools that have 10% of their children receiving pupil development grant
  • Schools who are in a follow-up status (Review, Significant Improvement or Special Measures) after their most recent Estyn Inspection

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For schools in Northern Ireland:

  • Schools that have 40% of their children receiving free school meals
  • Schools that have 10% of their children receiving free school meals
  • Schools which achieved Important area(s) for improvement, Requires significant improvement or Requires urgent improvement in their most recent ETI report

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If your school does not meet any of the above requirements, please know you can still apply for a Masterclass. Any queries please feel free to get in touch with the team.

We’re partnering with a wide range of businesses in STEM industries to support delivery of our camps and conferences. These partnerships are a great way to connect with your local community and inspire the next generation about the wide career pathways open to them. 

We’re currently looking for more businesses to support Space to Learn through provision of activities, workshops, stalls, speakers and venues. If you’d like to work with us on this project, please complete the online enquiry form here: Space to Learn Business Enquiry

If you have any queries and you’d like to speak to one of the team, please email us at spacetolearn@spacecentre.co.uk

A booking is deemed provisional until we receive a signed booking confirmation letter. Your booking is confirmed upon receipt of a signed confirmation letter. 

The National Space Academy reserves the right to cancel or alter the schedule of a booking due to unforeseen circumstances. You will be advised in writing and if necessary. The National Space Academy does not accept liability for any additional costs incurred. 

All bookings have minimum number requirements: 20 attendees are required for each Key Stage 3 & 4 or equivalent session (students aged 11-16) session. Numbers for Key Stage 5 or equivalent sessions (students aged 16-18) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please confirm any changes that are made to your numbers at least one week before your visit. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that unconfirmed additional numbers, or numbers added with less than a week’s notice, will be catered for in our programme of events, nor can we guarantee that programmes will be able to run with greatly reduced numbers. 

The masterclass is for up to the 30 students all day or 30 students in each half day masterclass (total of up to 60 students). The masterclass is pre-prescribed and is for students from one class (not mixed year groups). 

The school must be in the UK, and each school may only apply once for the funded masterclass per academic year. The school will need to provide an appropriate classroom or laboratory space for the masterclass to take place. Teachers and students are required to complete an evaluation form following the masterclass. 

All Space to Learn masterclasses are fully funded, however, please inform us at the earliest opportunity if you wish to cancel or postpone your booking. For groups that give less than 14 days’ notice there will be a charge of £50.00. Cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances must be detailed in writing and addressed to the National Space Academy Regional Project Officer. The fees will then be assessed on an individual basis. 

The funding covers the cost of up to £100 of the Space Advocates travel expenses to and from the school, as well as either two half day masterclasses for KS3 and KS4 or equivalent (students aged 11-16) or a full day masterclass in KS5 or equivalent (students aged 16-18). If the school would like to book the half day masterclass option, this cannot be fewer or more than two half day masterclasses. One-hour Multiple masterclasses do not qualify for the funding. 

The group leader named on the booking form is expected to take responsibility for the behaviour and discipline of their group. All students must be supervised at all times, whether at their school or in the National Space Centre, and during any event (for example and not limited to masterclasses, Space Camps and Careers Conferences). Any costs incurred as a result of malicious damage will be the responsibility of the school or the group leader. 

All career event and camp bookings are free, but please note that if you wish to cancel your group’s attendance, if the cancellation notice is made less than 14 days prior to the event your school will be liable for a charge of £100.00.

Please fill in the booking form as accurately and as fully as possible. Please notify us of any changes prior to the masterclass taking place. Please be aware that if changes are made with no notification the Space Advocate may not be able to deliver all the activities included in the masterclass. 

All in-school masterclasses require the schools to inform the Space Advocate of all fire and safety protocols, including muster points, on arrival. 

If the school is dissatisfied with any aspect of our programmes and believe that they are unable to resolve the matter informally in consultation either with the person who has caused the complaint or with a relevant member of staff, then the applicant should contact the National Space Academy Administrator on 0116 2582 147 or NSA@spacecentre.co.uk

We will at all times comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

  1. Apply for a Masterclass

  2. Apply for a Careers Conference

  3. Apply for a Space Camp

Find our upcoming Space Camps and Careers Conferences below

Date Event Type Location
FULLY BOOKED 16/12/2024
Year 12 Careers Conference
Sunderland
22/01/2025
Year 10 Careers Conference
Birmingham
10th - 14th February 2025
Year 7 Space Camp
Preston