Space scientist unveils specialist education centre in Stevenage

A space scientist has launched an education centre which aims to offer students “interactive learning opportunities in vitally important subjects”.

The scientist, who has helped build a satellite investigating climate change, gave a key-note speech to mark the opening of the centre, where students will be taught the four subjects through themed activities.

The centre, which cost £600,000, includes a laboratory, a theatre with 3D projection, a demonstration area with a 60-inch touch screen TV and a multimedia studio with pod-style work stations.

The project has been funded by the college, which is a member of further education partnership the Gazelle Colleges Group,

The launch coincided with fellow member Barking and Dagenham College unveiling its own Gazelle STEM Centre, with a live link up organised at the Stevenage campus.

Signe Sutherland, principal and chief executive officer of North Hertfordshire College, said: “We are delighted to be opening one of the inaugural Gazelle STEM centres at North Hertfordshire College, creating new interactive learning opportunities for our learners in these vitally important subjects, and those of students at schools and colleges across the local community.

“As the lead director for Gazelle on STEM centres I believe it will build on the curriculum innovation and success of studio schools, and the focus on teamwork and project-based learning they have encouraged. The Gazelle STEM Centre is a significant addition to our entrepreneurial credentials as a Gazelle college.”

To find out more visit www.stemcentre.nhc.ac.uk