SCHOOLCHILDREN received a message which was out of this world during a space-themed activity week.

The children at Holmwood House School in Lexden were delighted to receive a special video message from British astronaut Major Tim Peake, direct from the European Space Agency.

The message followed a week of space-related activities designed to encourage pupils to further their knowledge and understanding of the solar system.

Activities included exploring volcanic activity across the universe, taking part in space training exercises, calculating the speed of planets, taking part in a 360-degree immersive planetarium experience and a virtual reality exploration of space among many others.

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Staff also got involved by staging a special ‘murder mystery’ set on the moon with the Year 6 pupils examining the crime scene.

Andrew Kershaw, Head of Science, said the week was hugely beneficial.

He said: “The week afforded pupils the chance to explore aspects of space that wouldn’t ordinarily be covered on the curriculum using the skills they learn everyday in the various subject areas.

“It is important children are able to link the skills they learn in lessons to the wider world and apply them in different contexts.

“Our pupils thoroughly look forward to being in Year 6 and their chance to turn detective in our annual murder mysteries. It is one of the most talked about events of the week with children from the Reception year through to Year 8 formulating theories as to who did what and why.”