Sheffield primary pupils learn about life on mars as they open their minds to creative careers

The youngsters from Abbeyfield Primary School, in Firshill, took part in a media activity day in which they were asked to think outside the box and find ways in which they could successfully colonise the moon. 

The students, who had previously been asked to design moon buggies and a moon base as part of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activity day, enjoyed a range of activities throughout the day all based around life on the moon.

During the day the children in Key Stage 2 were tasked with planning a concert on the moon – which would take place on July 16, 3019 – deciding on artists and designing their own logo, poster and mascot to promote the event. 

Leadmill Promotions Manager Freya Gill-Stevens said: “It has been great. They’ve been asking lots of questions – how do you put a seat on the moon, is it cold on the moon? There has been some really creative, out of the box thinking.”

To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the pupils in Key Stage 1 were asked to get creative as they made clay souvenirs and commemorative plates.

Elsewhere in Key Stage 2 the youngsters were also learning about Apollo 11 with actors Elisabeth Calvert and Clark Osell, as they constructed a space-themed play and took part in drama games about travelling to the moon. 

They were also joined by James Ward, from Ordanance Survey, who taught them about what it means to be a 

cartographer, someone who draws or produces maps – a key skill needed if travelling to the moon. 

Tim Gryeveson, of Screen Yorkshire, also helped the pupils create and film their own advert for colonising the moon.

Leona Mills, assistant headteacher, said: “It has been excellent, they’ve used real equipment and made a storyboard.

“Everyone has got jobs around the room – they thought of the idea for the film then acted it out.”

The day forms part of the Aspiration project, a three-part programme by the Five Rivers Multi Academy Trust, who run Abbeyfield Primary Academy.

The aim is to promote different career paths to children at a young age in hopes of encouraging them to follow apprenticeships and think about their future jobs.

The programme began at the start of the year when the school were visited by representatives from Jaguar Land Rover, in which all pupils were given an insight into careers as an engineer.