RM Technology champions STEAM with Space Learning Programme at Oakley Vale Primary School in Corby

One small step for Corby, one giant leap for STEAM education!

Yesterday, world-renowned astronaut teacher Mike Mongo visited Oakley Vale Primary School, in Corby, a valued member school of the Brooke Weston Trust, to lead the Starflight Academy, a learning programme which provides interactive and inspiring STEAM resources centred around space education.

Developed by RM Technology, the leading Edtech solutions and strategies provider, in partnership with SaxaVord Spaceport, the UK’s first licensed vertical launch facility, the four-week educational programme offers a unique opportunity for children to engage with STEAM subjects through space education.

STEAM integrates the arts into STEM, emphasising experimentation, creativity and exploration, inspiring children to engage fully with space science in diverse and innovative ways. Space is already a vital part of the UK’s economy, contributing to over £16.4 billion per year and employing over 45,000 people.

From learning about satellite launches and space habitat construction to how AI is used in Space Starflight’s lessons aim to inspire and prepare the next generation of talent for space. To date, 120 schools from across the UK have signed up to the Starflight Academy. This includes the Brooke Weston Trust, which has rolled out the Starflight Academy to enrich the curriculum of all its primary schools.

Mike Mongo, selected by Uplift Aerospace in 2022 to train its first commercial astronaut crew and the author of the best-selling book ‘The Astronaut Instruction Manual,’ taught the first lesson on ‘Exploring Spaceports’ from the Starflight programme at Oakley Vale Primary School. Mike’s approach to space education merges practical astronaut skills with STEAM learning, aiming to spark a lifelong interest in space science and exploration among students.

Mike Mongo, astronaut teacher, said: ‘The pupils at Oakley Vale Primary School are amazing! They left me feeling inspired and excited about our future.

‘Their excitement and enthusiasm for space is contagious, and I am sure that these students will be part of their generation that pushes even the boundaries of space exploration.

‘In my opinion, the UK leads the way in nurturing STEAM talent from a young age and is securing its position as a leader and factor in our space future.

‘Our goal, with the launch of RM’s Starflight Academy, is to ignite and nurture today’s student’s interest in STEAM subject matter to ready them for tomorrow’s jobs in space!’

Mel Parker, Educational Technologist at RM Technology, said: ‘STEAM is playing an increasingly important role in our society today. Today, the UK’s tech sector employs 1.86 million people and contributes over £150 billion to the economy every year.

‘The people who fuel its innovation are often those who have been inspired at school to pursue further education and careers through STEAM learning. Starflight Academy offers teachers the opportunity to bring STEAM learning to life and I am excited to see how teachers use their creativity to develop this further’

Mrs S Sanders – Principal at Oakley Vale Primary School said: ‘For many teachers, inspiring students to engage with STEAM subjects is a challenge - especially with limited time and resources.

‘Yet, through the Starflight Academy, our teachers now have a unique way of engaging children from a young age and bringing space to the classroom. Mike’s lesson left our students hungry to learn more about the universe, and we’re excited to see them continue to soar.’

You can find more information on RM Technology’s Starflight Academy at https://www.rm.com/space.