Schools from Across Hertfordshire Unite for ‘Galactic Challenge’ Competition in Celebration of British Science Week
St Albans School hosts one-day STEM adventure as 54 pupils from across the county come together for a day of space-themed innovation
Local independent senior school, St Albans School, hosted its Partnership Galactic Challenge event last week in celebration of British Science Week 2026 (7-16 March). The one-day, space-themed competition, welcomed 54 enthusiastic Year 5 pupils, from across eight local state primary schools, for an exciting day of collaborative problem-solving and innovation. The children worked together in mixed teams under the guise of fictional aerospace companies tasked with designing a futuristic crewed space settlement for the year 2055, responding to a simulated industry Request for Proposal.
Working alongside teachers and first form pupils from St Albans School, the day was designed to inspire teamwork, resilience and creativity while benefiting from the school’s extensive STEM facilities and enriching learning environment. Developing imaginative future concepts such as lunar hotels, each individual team tackled real-world engineering problems before pitching their finished projects to a panel of expert judges, enhancing both their collaborative and presentation skills.
Stuart Taylor, Director of Bursaries, Partnerships and Community Link at St Albans School, organised the event, he said “It was wonderful to see so many pupils from across the local community come together for an exciting day of space-themed adventures. The event was also the perfect platform for pupils to explore a variety of STEM subjects, connect with new friends and to think creatively about the future of space exploration.”
The Galactic Challenge concluded in the evening with a presentation and awards ceremony attended by the pupils and their families in celebration of the creativity and effort demonstrated by every team. After a closely contested competition, the judges announced Infinity Airspace as the overall winning team, which was made up of pupils from Alban City School and Prae Wood Primary School.
“It has been such a memorable and inspiring experience for all of our young participants and the day really showcased the children’s ability to work collaboratively, demonstrating resilience and innovation in solving challenges and confidence in how they presented their ideas and answered questions from the panel of experts. Congratulations to all of the pupils who took park in the competition for their unwavering enthusiasm and impressive ideas,” added Mr Taylor.
Pupils attended the Galactic Challenge event from Alban City School, Prae Wood Primary School, Aboyne Lodge School, St John Fisher Catholic Primary, Oakwood Primary School, Cunnigham Hill Junior School, St Helen’s Church of England Primary School and Redbourn Primary School.
The school is grateful for the support of its teaching staff, student helpers and the expert panel of judges who contributed their time and valuable insight to the day. Special thanks also goes to Ms Jessica Goldie, physics teacher at St Albans School, who helped to organise this hugely successful community partnership event.