Preston university’s space project in schools wins national award

Sandi Toksvig (awards host), Professor Peter Lloyd (Dean of the School of Arts and Media), Dr Joanne Pledger (Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics), Ruth Spencer (Senior Lecturer in Dance) and the award category sponsor Pic: UCLan

Combining dance and science has taken the topic of space into schools across Preston and Lancashire.

The Times Higher Education Awards said the University of Central Lancashire’s ‘Into Our Skies’ was the best outreach project by a university in the UK.

The six-week scheme saw movement and dance as a tool for primarily school pupils aged nine to 11 to explore earth and space.

Dr Joanne Pledger, senior lecturer in astrophysics, said: “It is incredible to win this award and I’m delighted the Space in Schools project has been recognised by the education community.

“This project has been a fantastic opportunity for scientists to work with dance artists to enhance how teachers teach the science curriculum and enthuse and engage primary pupils with science in a completely different way. We hope to be able to carry on this work in future.”

Preston-based dancer Lucy Starkey who is performing the moves for the Space in Schools project - Image credit: Into Our Skies, Photographs by Rebecca Richards — Preston-based dancer Lucy Starkey who is performing the moves for the Space in Schools project – Image credit: Into Our Skies, Photographs by Rebecca Richards

Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “I’m delighted that The University of Central Lancashire has received the recognition we deserve from the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards for our community outreach work. Winning the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year category is apt as it reflects precisely what we are as an institution. The University of Central Lancashire has been transforming lives since 1828 and has always been committed to access and widening participation.

“We pride ourselves on being an open and accessible institution for people from all backgrounds and believe in the power of higher education to promote social mobility. Our extensive widening participation activities reflect this.”