Astronomy

Departmental approach to the curriculum

Astronomy is currently taught to our Year 11 cohort for September 2021-2022. This is as part of our twilight provision and is delivered to a small number of dedicated students as an additional GCSE.

Many people are fascinated by the night sky and are interested in stories about our continuing exploration of our solar system and universe. This course has been developed to build on that interest and to give an introduction to the subject of astronomy.

The course enables students to understand our position in the universe, the movements of planets and stars, the cycles in the night and daytime sky, and the way in which we use technology to observe and interact with space. Students follow an incredible story of how scientists, from ancient civilisations to the modern day, have used their imagination and carefully recorded visual measurement to explore the universe in which we live.

Rickmansworth School is well equipped with telescopes and binoculars and students have the opportunity to work with a professional astronomer and to remotely use the facilities of telescopes across the world.