Year 8 can look to the stars with GCSE Astronomy

Year 8 pupils can reach for the stars by taking an optional GCSE in Astronomy from September, when they move up to Year 9.

Science Technician Mr Evans leads the course which will be after-school every Tuesday during term time. Learning starts in Year 9 and the course is completed in Year 10, when pupils can take their Astronomy GCSE a year early if they want to.

GCSE Astronomy covers a range of topics from Cosmology, Exploring starlight, Sellar evolution and Planetary motion and gravity.

Mr Evans said: “It’s an added extra after school and pupils take their GCSE a year early.

“There is coursework and an exam and, I will be honest, it is quite tough – a few people start it and drop out. It is an enjoyable course to teach though and a lot of pupils thoroughly enjoy it.”

Year 9 Freya said: “I wanted to do an extra GCSE and I find Astronomy interesting. I knew it would be hard, there is a lot of maths and there is quite a lot of information you learn which you don’t learn in science. Doing a GCSE a year early is good practise for Year 11.”

Year 9 Evie said: “I am interested in space which is why I chose Astronomy. If you get a GCSE in Astronomy people think you are really smart!  It’s maths and physics, with a little bit of history of physicists. I enjoy it and Mr Evans is a good teacher.  To any Year 8s, I would say if you like Astronomy and if you want another qualification give it a go.”

Year 10 Thomas said: “I took Astronomy as it’s an extra GCSE and I found space interesting, how insignificant but unique we are! It is difficult but I have managed to stay with it.  I would say to a Year 8 if you are smart enough, go for it.”

Niamh said: “I have always liked space but it was a lot harder than I thought. The coursework was quite nice – sitting, staring at the stars! You do have to be dedicated to take it though.”

Daniel added: “A Year 11 recommended me to take it and, while it’s difficult, space has always been an interest of mine.

“I think 15 people started on the course and there are just six of us in the Year 10 class now so you do have to persist with it."

Mr Evans will be distributing a letter and sign up sheet to interested pupils in the early weeks of September for Year 9 pupils who express an interest.  Parents can email j.evans@priory.lancs.sch.uk with any enquiries.  (Year 10 will continue their classes after school on Thursdays)