By Matt Scorer

Hope Valley College is again offering a GCSE course in Astronomy after two students achieved A* last year. 

Science Teacher Steve Taylor said: "The two lads worked tremendously hard and can be incredibly proud of earning A* in such a short space of time. It is a credit to the independent study skills that they have picked up whilst at College."

The course is usually spread over two years and Elspeth Cheshire, Catherine Davies and Phillipa Armstrong are currently studying the second year of the course.

This will focus on the solar system and how space is studied. With Autumn Moonwatch at the end of October and Schools Moonwatch at the end of November there will be plenty of opportunity for students to use the College's new telescope.

Principal Bernie Hunter said: "The achievements of Callum and Ed are a tribute to their hard work and dedicated study and we are incredibly proud of them. By offering Astronomy we are finding ways of engaging students in science in a more practical way which appeals to some students. It is one of the options we offer that allow the College to cater more efficiently to the different learning styles and interests of all students."

The course is open to any year 9, 10 or 11 student who should speak to Mr. Taylor if they are interested in coming along.

Mr. Taylor added: "The course is ideal for anybody who is interested in space or wants to follow a career in astronomy or physics and a GCSE can be achieved with a little dedication and an hour a week of study."