Welcome Teachers!
At The Schools' Observatory, we’re here to help you bring space and science to life in your classroom.
Whether you’re looking to inspire curiosity, engage students in hands-on learning, or explore the wonders of the Universe, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how we can help you!
- Free and Easy Registration: Registering is free and opens up access to observing programs, educational resources, and much more. Our resources are available to teachers worldwide, but please note some events and programs are specific to UK teachers.
- Access Real Observations: You don’t need a telescope at your school to explore the Universe! By registering with The Schools' Observatory, you gain access to over 20 robotic telescopes from around the world, thanks to our partnership with the Dill Faulkes Educational Trust. Request real-time observations, collect data, and involve your students in real scientific discovery!
They love the idea that they are doing something pro astronomers do, that it's real images, ... It moves it away from it being something in school that their teacher is making them do. - Secondary School teacher
Teachers in the UK or Republic of Ireland
Register as a Teacher for full FREE access to all observing programmes, curriculum-linked teaching resources, and training sessions.
- You'll also be the first to know about regular events like our annual Primary Christmas Event and our Work Experience Week for 16 - 18 years olds.
- You Want to run a STEM Club? We’ve created a series of booklets that provide you with 18 weeks of engaging, space-themed activities. Our STEM Club resources are designed to inspire a love of STEM and develop key skills in your students. You can access these resources once you’ve registered.
The children really appreciate that they can make real observations. It's another way of being practical for a subject which is generally abstract. - Primary School teacher
- Teachers Champions
It is incredibly important that we hears from our users. We value your voice. This is what ensures we are responsive to the wants and needs of educators across the UK and Ireland. That is why in 2021 we created The Schools' Observatory Teachers Champions.
The Champions meet 4 times a year to guide the direction and development of The Schools' Observatory.
Our current Champions
- David Allden, University of Wolverhampton
- Kate Arrand, Wigan and Leigh Colleges
- Peter Biggs, St Laurence’s Catholic Primary School
- Andy Brittain, Lady Eleanor Holles School
- Helen Brown, Ormskirk School & 6th Form
- Andrea Fesmer
- Ron Holt
- Peter Kane, Kilglass National School
- Fergus Lear, The John of Gaunt School
- Louise Ledger, Trinity Academy St Edward's
- Sarah Llewellyn-Davies, The Astro Educator
- Alice Perry, Oundle School
- Steffan Tudor, Ysgol Glan Clwyd
Future membership
Membership of the Champions is currently closed. If you are interested in becoming a Champion in the future, please have a look through the current Champions agreement and email SchoolsObs@ljmu.ac.uk.
We want this group to be as representative as possible of the voice of educators throughout the UK and Ireland. Therefore, we have set the following targets:
- There must be representation from primary, secondary, and further education levels.
- There must be representation from at least 3 (ideally all 5) of the nations covered by The Schools' Observatory: England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
- There must be a maximum of one teacher from a fee-paying school.
- We would like representation from at least 2 teachers from the Liverpool City Region, in line with our commitment to Liverpool John Moores University and our civic duty.
- Who are The Schools’ Observatory?
The Schools’ Observatory is part of Liverpool John Moores University. We use the inspirational topic of space to promote understanding and enjoyment of STEM subjects. Our team of professionals with experience in science research and education are here to support you. We offer regular training and development sessions.