‘Saved For Science’

Science should be fun; to encourage everyone to explore, discover and learn…

Home to the world-famous Royal Greenwich Observatory for more than 40 years, the iconic copper domes house the telescopes that were moved to Herstmonceux, East Sussex in the 1950s to escape the smog and light pollution of London.

The Observatory Science Centre is part of Science Projects Ltd. a company with charitable status (Charity no. 298542) dedicated to the promotion of science for everyone and designers of interactive exhibitions since 1986. Science Projects opened The Observatory Science Centre in 1995 and Sir Patrick Moore declared that the Observatory had been ​‘Saved for Science’. 

This unique discovery centre has gone from strength to strength over 25 years offering astronomy, Spectacular Science and discovery amongst the domes and telescopes of a world-famous observatory, now a Grade II* Listed building.

The Observatory team have been delighted to welcome visitors back to site having been closed for many months during the pandemic; with school groups integral to everything they offer. Educational events, interactive exhibits and activities take into account the sites historic links and are designed to ensure Spectacular Science is presented to everyone, regardless of age or ability.

The Observatory Science Centre holds the ​‘Quality Badge’ from a scheme managed and developed by The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. This is the only nationally recognised indicator of good quality educational provision. It provides a national award combining the essential elements of provision- learning and safety- into one easily recognised and trusted accreditation scheme for all types of learning outside the classroom provider organisation. The Department for Education guidance on Health & Safety on educational visits recommends that schools look for the Quality Badge when choosing external providers of educational visits.

Jo Harris, Education Director at the Observatory Science Centre said: ​“We all recognise that children in particular have lost vital opportunities due to Covid restrictions and we have been delighted to welcome schools once again: we really missed them! We were confident the children would have a great learning experience when they came to us, but what we hadn’t anticipated was just how much the teachers and adults would enjoy everything too; including the opportunity to reconnect with their pupils in an out of classroom experience.’

And don’t just take Jo’s word for it… teachers have recently commented:

“Thanks for organising what we considered to be a great trip. It was wonderful for us to see the children learn in an active way, outside of the school environment.”

“Thank you for looking after us so well. The children had a ball and commented ​‘this is the best trip ever!”

The Observatory Science Centre team are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone during the next season… and if you can’t visit Herstmonceux; do remember they also have an incredible outreach team who can bring exhibits and planetarium to you! 

Bookings are being taken for the next academic year so check the website for the very latest information www​.the​-obser​va​to​ry​.org or call Jo Harris 01323 832731.