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Pupils look to the sky for ‘star’ results in unique studies

Thursday, 2 February 2012

GCSE astronomy pupils at Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh, Kirsty Campbell and Seosamh Hackett looking through the telescope as their teacher, Mr Graham Peters, looks on.

THREE students at Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh, are hoping for 'star' results when they sit a GCSE examination in astronomy this summer.
Students Seosamh Hackett, Kirsty Campbell and James Foy are believed to be among a select few who have undertaken the challenging subject in Northern Ireland.
Their interest in the subject initially began as a fun lunchtime club in the school, but it soon developed into a recognised GCSE class at the suggestion of teacher, Graham Peters, who also had an avid interest in the subject.
Explaining the origins of the class, Mr Peters said: "Back in 2009 we started talking about setting up a club for students who had a mutual interest in astronomy. We set up the club and quickly came to the conclusion that if we were going to do it, then the students might as well get something out of it in the form of a qualification.
“So we formalised ourselves as a group, researched the GCSE specification and took the idea to Mr Frith (principal). He was very supportive of the idea and the GCSE class became official.
“I have an avid interest in the subject but I very much learn as much as the pupils. The science department is a great help to us, but I would emphasis that the pupils are essentially self-taught. Such is their commitment to the subject and learning that they meet in their own time during their lunch breaks and, indeed, after school on Wednesday.
“I am not aware of any similar classes in the locality either, so the added qualification could be the one that separates the pupils from another candidate when they go to apply for university places."
For pupil James Foy, the decision to join the group was a 'natural' choice. He said: "I have always had an interest in astronomy growing up so it seemed natural to take up the GCSE. My favourite part is using the telescope and seeing what's out there. I also like physics and it goes hand in hand with this. I would hope that I will have a future career in the field."
Aerospace industry
Meanwhile, keen astronomer, Seosamh, who has undertaken work experience placements at Armagh Observatory and the physics department, hopes the qualification will lead to an eventual career in the aerospace industry.
“One day I hope to design something for NASA - that's my ambition and I hope this can be the catapult for that type of career. The chance of there being life somewhere else out there really interests me and I would love to discover something new. We learn so many different things including the history of astronomy and who invented what technology and what different processes are involved in the solar system.
“But working out how to understand things is the bit I enjoy most. We spend so much time trying to understand something and it feels so worthwhile when you finally do!"
With course-work and an examination in May, the trio hope to reap the rewards from all their hard work and determination.
“It does involve a lot of work especially trying to understand the subject, but it's like every other subject - you just have to keep on top of the work. Hopefully it will all pay off in May. It is a unique qualification and it will be nice to have it on the CV," added Kirsty.

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