First British Astronaut Inspires Students to Aim High

On Tuesday 30th June, we were delighted to welcome Helen Sharman OBE, the first British astronaut, to The Hinckley School for a truly unforgettable day of inspiration, discovery and learning. Helen delivered a fascinating keynote speech, sharing the remarkable story of how her journey into space began with a simple radio advertisement seeking applicants for an astronaut programme. Encouraged to apply, she entered a highly competitive selection process and was chosen from more than 13,000 applicants, demonstrating the power of ambition, perseverance and self-belief.

Throughout her presentation, Helen captivated students and staff with vivid accounts of her experiences,
bringing her extraordinary journey to life. She spoke about the rigorous training required to prepare for
spaceflight and gave fascinating insights into what daily life is really like aboard a spacecraft, including how astronauts eat, exercise, sleep, work and what it is like to feel weightless.

Students were particularly engaged as Helen described the scientific experiments she conducted during her mission, highlighting the importance of research and innovation in advancing our understanding of science and space exploration. Her experiences showcased the diverse opportunities available within STEM careers and the real-world impact of scientific discovery.

In addition to her keynote address, Helen took part in an insightful Q&A session to Year 9 and Triple
Scientists in Year 10, where students had the opportunity to ask questions about her career, life in
space and the future of space exploration. She also spent time with a small group of students, including
our Science Buskers, making the experience even more personal and meaningful.

We are confident that Helen’s visit will have left a lasting impression on everyone who attended. Her
message was clear: no ambition is too great, and with determination, curiosity and hard work, young people
can achieve more than they ever imagined. 

Year 9 student Libby said: "Hearing Helen speak was really interesting and I learnt a lot from it, especially about the experiments she conducted in space. I found the talk very inspiring; it shows that you should always go after your dreams.”

 

We are incredibly grateful to Helen for giving her time to visit The Hinckley School and for inspiring the
next generation of scientists, engineers, explorers and innovators. Her visit will undoubtedly be remembered by our school community for many years to come. 

We would like to sincerely thank Helen for her time and for the care and attention she showed to our community.

Kate Groocock, Head of School, said: “Helen inspired our students with the extraordinary story of her journey into space. Helen’s message of determination, resilience and ambition encouraged our students to believe that anything is possible. She really brought to life the impact of space exploration on the developments in science that enhance our lives here on Earth. We're very grateful to Helen for sharing her experiences with our students.”