HUNDREDS of local primary school children have been enjoying two weeks of science and space master classes at Bradford Grammar School.

More than 340 children have been investigating questions such as 'what does a satellite look like?', 'what materials make a satellite? and 'how do satellites get into space?' during the classes, which run until 19 July.

The children have been working in teams with technology expert Tim Rogers, of Future Transformation, to design their own satellites and learn about the high-tech space industries in Yorkshire.

The levels of engagement and enthusiasm have been "superb", after a year of educational disruption due to the pandemic, and the opportunity to build and launch water rockets at the end of each session has also been desrcibed as a "highlight".

The project has heralded the start of a partnership between Bradford Grammar School and Tim Rogers, who has worked in the media, conservation and technology sectors across the world.

Since childhood, Tim has developed a strong passion for space exploration, and he is currently a STEM Ambassador and sits on various technology boards across the City of Leeds.

“There’s been a real buzz and excitement this past fortnight", Tim said.

"The children have had a great time and learnt something about satellites, rockets and high-tech space industries.

"It’s inspiring to think that we might have lit a spark in the engineers and scientists of the future. The young people of our region have so much potential, and we want to show them what they can achieve.”

Bradford Grammar School Headmaster, Dr Simon Hinchliffe, said: “It’s been great fun working in partnership with Tim and colleagues at local schools.

"It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with local enterprises and educators. Our satellite design project and launching of water rockets on the school fields was a resounding success.

"The children had a great time and everyone at Bradford Grammar is excited to see where our partnership goes next.”

The schools taking part included:

  •        Lady Royd Primary
  •        Frizinghall Primary
  •        Victoria Primary
  •        Margaret McMillan Primary
  •        High Crags Primary
  •        St Cuthbert’s Primary

The master classes have been run ahead of Bradford Tech Week, which runs from 18 to 22 October, and is part sponsored by CityFibre.

The event was launched last year to make young people more aware about the opportunities that exist within tech in Bradford.

Last year, the week attracted support from companies such as Morrisons, Emerald, IBM, Openreach, CityFibre and PwC.