Academy students treated to stargazing talk

Students at Fakenham Academy were wowed by the night sky recently, without leaving their classrooms.

Matt Bothwell from Cambridge University spoke to year seven students about the solar system and galaxies. He said: "It was wonderful to see students fully engaged and asking questions about life on other planets."

Kris Marshall-Smith, head of science at the academy, said: "For all our year sevens to have the opportunity to listen to and ask questions of someone who has worked in astronomy and cosmology for years is a brilliant idea."

"We are grateful to the university and the Kavli Institute of Cosmology for this chance. Pupils were inspired by the event, they thoroughly enjoyed it."

The students themselves made a range of comments, including: "That was so cool!" and "I had no idea so many planets out there might have life on them."

Mr Marshall-Smith said he heard some saying they would like to go into astronomy.