School in Queens Park hosts interview with British astronaut Tim Peake

A primary school in Queens Park became an unofficial space centre with pupils asking questions to a British astronaut in Houston, Texas.

The European Space Agency organised a live connection between Queens Park Primary School in Droop Street and the space centre in America as part of the Tim Peake Primary Project.

The school was chosen to hold a press conference for the historic event.

Pupils took on the part of journalists as a satellite van and equipment was installed outside the school for the live feed.

Three pupils had the opportunity to ask Mr Peake questions including whether he gets lonely in space, to which he replied he could Skype his wife from space.

Laura Hayes, Year 6 teacher and science coordinator, said: “It was an exciting day in school. Years 5 and 6 were able to sit in on the press conference as professional journalists asked their questions to Tim. The rest of the school watched live on NASA TV from their classrooms. Three children were then able to ask a question and were treated like real journalists.”

The project aims to increase interest in science, English and Maths and will involve Mr Peake whilst he is up on the International Space Station.

Ms Hayes added: “One thing I know we are involved in is ‘Rocket Science’ which will involve growing rocket seeds which have been into space and comparing them to seeds which have not.”