Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut, has visited St Edward’s School in Poole, sharing her inspirational story with students.
The chemist and President of the Institute of Science and Technology spent the day at the Poole school on Tuesday October 15th, meeting students in her capacity as UK Outreach Ambassador for Imperial College, London.
Dr Sharman made history in 1991 when she launched into space for an eight-day mission orbiting the Earth, most of it spent on the Soviet Union's Mir space station. She was selected from 13,000 applicants, after responding to a radio advertisement asking for applicants to be the first British space explorer. She was also the first Western European woman and first privately funded woman in space, as well as the first woman to visit the Mir space station.
During her visit to St Edward's, Dr Sharman gave presentations to students in Years 11, 12 and 13, talking about STEM careers and further education opportunities, as well as sharing her experiences of becoming an astronaut.
Dr Sharman ended the day being interviewed by sixth form students Magnus Hinves and Grace Legg, answering questions about her preparations and journey into space, being thrust into the media spotlight, her views on space tourism, and about the importance of STEM in informing public debate.
St Edward’s Science Teacher James Hall, who arranged the visit, said:
“It was an honour to welcome Helen Sharman to St Edward’s School. She is a pioneer, a role model, and a brilliant speaker. Our students were captivated by her story, from her school days in Sheffield, to becoming a chemist and a career in chemical research, to her remarkable selection from 13,000 applicants to travel into space.
“Her life and experiences offered an inspirational lesson in the importance of seizing opportunities when they come your way, as well as showcasing the wonderful opportunities that studying STEM subjects can afford. Helen made a huge impact on our students - they will remember her visit for many years to come.”
Among Helen’s key messages was the important role that STEM disciplines play in the modern world and the need for young people to have a core level of understanding, whether or not they pursue a career in this field.
Added Helen Sharman:
“I have had a super experience meeting the students. This is a really friendly school, and it has been lovely to see how focused the students are, and how interested they are in their futures. That future is so exciting when you think about the changes that are happening and how technology is opening up so many opportunities for young people.”
She also offered some tips for any students wishing to follow in her footsteps. “Being fit and healthy, manually dexterous, being a team player and doing STEM subjects,” she added: “All of that will do you good in all sorts of different areas of life.”
Sixth former Magnus Hinves, one of the two students who interviewed Helen Sharman, said:
“To be able to meet an astronaut and to hear about Helen’s experiences - how it felt to prepare for the trip and the experience of being up there in space, was really memorable.”
We are holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 7th November from 6pm to 8pm. For more information, visit our Sixth Form website.
You can watch the full interview with Dr Sharman below: