Astronomy workshops used to raise attainment among young people in the city

As part of a programme to help raise GCSE attainment in the city, LJMU has delivered a series of engaging astronomy workshops to local community groups in the L6, L7 and L8 postcode areas.

The university’s Outreach team collaborated with the Astrophysics Research Institute’s Schools’ Observatory team on the expansion of the LJMU in the Community programme, a long-standing mentoring programme designed to raise attainment in Maths, English and Science while building essential skills, confidence and a sense of belonging in Higher Education.

Working in partnership with the Merseyside Somali Community Centre and the Liverpool Arabic Centre, the Schools’ Observatory team developed a series of engaging, culturally connected astronomy workshops for GCSE-aged students from both community groups, working with the youngsters across a 3-week programme of delivery.

The workshops, led by Soli Daoud from The Schools’ Observatory, explored the night sky, the golden age of Islamic astronomy and the life cycle of stars, connecting scientific concepts with the rich heritage of Arabic contributions to astronomy, helping students see themselves reflected in the subject.

Through hands-on activities - including creating moon diaries, building star wheels and handheld spectroscopes - the students developed teamwork, problem-solving and research skills.

For their final project, the young people selected a star that resonated with them, conducted research into its scientific and historical origins, before designing an academic poster to present their findings back to an audience including many of their parents.

Many of the young people faced language barriers or a lack of confidence in public speaking, yet they delivered thoughtful, high-quality presentations with passion. The growth in confidence over the three weeks that we delivered the sessions was remarkable. Students not only strengthened their academic skills, but also developed their research abilities, creativity, communication skills and academic self-efficacy.