Collyers's student selected for USA Space Camp

Jennifer Simmonds, who previously attended Millais school, has been selected for Space Camp in the United States.  After a rigorous application and selection process, she has been chosen to participate in the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Jennifer will be one of only eight students attending the camp from the UK.

U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Kat Balch told Jennifer: “Your record of academic excellence and community service has qualified you to join a prestigious group of students from around the world.”

While at Space Camp the students will take part in engaging and practical workshops that will test their knowledge about current issues facing the fields of science, technology and engineering. Part of this includes teams working to build a rocket and launch it. In addition to this, Jennifer will launch into a “virtual reality space” through simulators and enjoy talks from astronauts. She will also endure a G-force simulator!

Jennifer said: “Space is pretty unforgiving so I’m expecting a tough cerebral test. I’ve been working really hard to make sure I’m at the top of my game. Studying at a brilliant college like Collyer’s has obviously helped hugely. Everyone has been really supportive and my teachers and friends are right behind me.”

The Space Camp takes place at the beginning of March and students have been told that they will face difficult group challenges in a number of different scenarios. This will enable them to apply and develop leadership skills.

Jennifer added: “I’m thrilled to have this brilliant opportunity to enjoy a great experience and develop my leadership skills. I want to apply what I learn to a career in a global business connected with space. I’m planning to go to University and I’m getting advice from tutors about the best way forward.”

Margarita Mortimer, Jennifer’s tutor at Collyer’s, is incredibly proud: “Jennifer works extremely hard in her subjects and is a popular member of the Collyer’s community. This is a brilliant opportunity and we all wish her the very best of luck.”