Air and Space Institute Newark partnership with Sherwood Observatory aims to inspire the next generation of STEM students

The Air and Space Institute (ASI) has partnered with the Sherwood Observatory to inspire the next generation with education.

The partnership means that students at ASI Newark will have access to the observatory's state-of-the-art facilities — after it secured £3.1 million from the government’s levelling up fund to build a new Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium.

The aim is to provide young people access to cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) facilities, creating opportunities, and encouraging them to pursue engineering pathways.

The planetarium will offer an immersive learning experience, giving students an opportunity to engage with science and technology in a hands-on way encourage interest in the aerospace sector.

With access to such facilities, students will be able to gain valuable practical skills and experience, preparing them for a career in the STEM field.

Penny Taylor, from Newark College, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Sherwood Observatory as it will enhance the curriculum of ASI.

“It provides an opportunity to work with industry experts and enhances aerospace learning by linking to other pathways in engineering and aviation.

“The observatory will help bring learning to life, offering inspiration and curiosity for the benefit our current and future students.”

Tom Cartledge, Co-Chair of the Newark Town Board, said: “I’m delighted that Newark Town Board, supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council, were successful in its bid for £25m as part of the Government’s Towns Fund initiative to bring the Air and Space Institute to life.

“It’s fantastic to see the project make excellent progress and this new partnership with the Sherwood Observatory is another great milestone. It means aspiring students can get first-hand experience in studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics and will support them in achieving their further and higher education ambitions.

“We hope this new working relationship shows that the Air and Space Institute can really be a place where students can fulfil their potential and that the town is making real aspirational growth through the projects part of Newark Town Board.”

Dr Steve Wallace, Planetarium Project Manager, said: "The future prosperity of the UK will depend on having a STEM-enabled workforce.

“This partneship is about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers and here we have a community of people to get excited about.

“Students will be using the fantastic new facilities at the Air and Space Institute and in our Science Discovery Centre, Planetarium and Observatory.

“We see a lot of synergies between the two organisations and we are very much looking forward to working together."