2025 is a landmark year for Rode Heath, marking a decade since we first launched our Out of This World project—an unforgettable, space-themed adventure that united our entire school in discovery and innovation.

Out of the World

Back in 2015, every child, from Reception to Year 6, received their own Space Passport and embarked on a journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences. We sent a balloon into space; had access to an authentic Russian Sokol spacesuit, and even 3D-printed tools for astronauts aboard the ISS. One of our proudest moments, was a live 30-minute Google Hangout with Tim Peake, where the whole school gathered at Manchester Metropolitan University in Crewe to speak with him via ESA’s mission control in Germany.

Celebrating Space

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this incredible project, we decided to bring space back to Rode Heath and reignite the passion, curiosity, and wonder that made Out of This World so special. That’s why we decided that this year’s Science Week would be entirely space-themed with all our curriculum subjects devoted to this engaging topic. This required some careful planning, but using ESERO’s Space Week booklet as a starting point, Miss Watson and I set to work.  (https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/elibrary/resource/448002/how-plan-and-run-your-own-space-week)

Bring the Universe into school

A highlight of the week was a visit from the Wonderdome Mobile Planetarium (https://wonderdome.co.uk/) a great resource that brought the wonders of the universe right into our school. Our presenter, Curtis, worked tirelessly throughout the day, delivering engaging, tailored sessions to each of our seven year groups. The Year 6 session, which explored the potential for life on other planets, was particularly relevant, as it tied in perfectly with our current science sessions on micro-organisms, helping to deepen and consolidate the children’s understanding.

For many pupils, this was their first experience inside a planetarium, and their excitement was unmistakable—their eyes wide with wonder as they journeyed through space in an immersive, 360-degree experience.

We started the week with a special assembly, reminiscing about some of the most unforgettable moments from our Out of This World project and unveiling the exciting plans ahead. A decade ago, we had built a strong connection with Tim Peake, and we dared to hope that, somehow, we might reach him again. If we could just get a message through, perhaps he’d record a short video to launch our celebrations.

After weeks of persistence, countless inquiries, and a fair bit of determination, we finally managed to get our request to him—and we were not disappointed. Despite his demanding schedule, Tim took the time to send us a personal message, inspiring a new generation of learners just as he had done ten years before.

On Friday, the entire school came together to celebrate the week’s achievements in a lively and colourful finale. The day had been designated a space-themed dress-up day, and the creativity on display was truly out of this world. From astronauts to aliens, rockets to planets, pupils and parents alike had embraced the spirit of the event with impressive enthusiasm.

A special mention should go to our Year 5 Space Ambassadors, who had worked tirelessly throughout the week, supporting each class in their space explorations. They decided to make their mark in a different way—dressing up as Minions, while Miss Watson and Mrs. Harrop hilariously took on the roles of the mischievous Gru and his wife, Lucy. Their infectious energy set the perfect tone for a joyful end to an unforgettable week.

Cross Curricular Learning

Below are just a few examples of the incredible work produced throughout the week—a testament to the enthusiasm and creativity of both staff and pupils. The level of engagement exceeded all expectations, with almost every subject embracing the space theme. From music, art, and design & technology to computing, science, English, and maths, space truly proved to be a limitless source of inspiration.

One thing is certain: space never fails to ignite curiosity. Who knows? Among our young learners, there may well be future scientists, engineers, or even astronauts—perhaps some destined to venture to Mars one day.

Reception

Year 6 – The Rocket Catcher Challenge

Space in Year 4

Astronaut Tower Challenge in Year 3

Diary from Year 5

To start the week off we trained like an astronaut and did two laps of the daily mile and a minute’s worth of press-ups and squats. After that we crawled like a bear and crab to mimic how astronauts get around in space. We also balanced on one leg with our eyes closed and had a bean bag on our heads to face gravitational challenges.

Later that day, a lady called Marjorie came into our class with a tiny piece of foil from Apollo 11. She also brought in some circular wooden slabs for us to paint planets on. When we had finished these, we were given a key chain for our bags to paint – most people did Earth.

On our next day of Space, we composed poems to read out to the school. There was a choice of acrostics and rhyming – many of them were really good.

On Wednesday, we went into a WonderDome where we learnt about life in Space. Scientists believe that there might be life on Mars because it has water, and microbes are mainly found in water. Speaking of Mars, me and my class have calculated that an astronaut travelling to Mars would need 1095kg of water, 365kg of oxygen and 365kg of food – not accounting for the time spent on Mars itself.

We are making space food for the journey to Mars. We also have a plan that you have crops being fertilised by human waste, plus the plant gives off oxygen. We are waiting to see our mystery plants grow.

Personally, I would not like to go to Space because the shuttle could get lost but I am truly fascinated by it. We all really enjoyed the week.

Miles Woodhead