GDST Space Technology Diploma
How SHS pupils are programming technology for space.
Space agencies around the world have recognised that attracting more women into the space industry is of vital importance, with The European Space Agency setting the target of employing women in at least 40% of all STEM roles by 2025. The GDST’s Space Technology Diploma is specifically designed to upskill girls so that they are well placed to consider careers in the industry.
The Space Tech Diploma combines Computer Science and Physics and explores the use of Python coding and planetary science. This programme is comparable with an undergraduate university module and is an exciting opportunity to gain independent and collaborative learning skills ready for University. This diploma addresses the gaps in both the A Level Computer Science and A Level Physics syllabuses and provides students with an exciting insight into the use of technology in Space research.
Students attend a range of blended online lectures, in person seminars, and cross-school collaborative learning to develop their skills and use technologies such as motion sensor and data classification, matrix programming, and data science. SHS students have used data provided by NASA to identify patterns and visualise interplanetary reduced-concept images. Such techniques are used in space exploration to detail parts of images from space telescopes like the James Webb.
Students are required to have completed either GCSE Computer Science or GCSE Physics at a Grade 7 level, to be studying A Level Computer Science, or to have an extra-curricular interest in space and programming. More information is available from our Computer Science Department.
