A group of students has become the first from their London borough to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre.
Twenty-seven pupils from Mayfield School in Redbridge travelled to Orlando, Florida, as part of a landmark STEM education programme focused on space exploration, engineering and innovation.
During the visit, they explored real spacecraft and rockets, and took part in interactive exhibits and simulations that brought their classroom studies to life.
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Sevdie Ali, head of science at Mayfield School, said: "This was a truly historic opportunity for our students and a very proud moment for Mayfield School and the Redbridge community.
"This was not just a visit to NASA—it was an experience that allowed our students to see what is possible when curiosity, determination and scientific ambition come together.
"Watching our students stand next to spacecraft, explore world-leading innovation and realise that they too can contribute to future discoveries was incredibly inspiring.
"We want every student to believe that opportunities like this are within their reach."
Students learned about NASA’s Apollo programme, the Space Shuttle era, astronaut training, the International Space Station, and the future of human exploration beyond Earth.
A highlight was discovering the role of the Hubble Space Telescope and how space technology continues to expand humanity’s understanding of the universe.
The six-day trip also included visits to Disney Parks, where students took part in science and technology workshops exploring the engineering, creativity and problem-solving behind entertainment experiences, and a visit to WonderWorks to explore interactive exhibits on forces, motion, electricity, and human perception.
The journey helped students build life skills including independence, confidence, and resilience.
Activities like indoor skydiving at iFLY gave them experience of the science of flight and aerodynamics while encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.
The Orlando STEM Adventure is part of Mayfield School’s wider commitment to providing educational experiences that raise aspirations and extend learning beyond the classroom for young people.
The 27 students returned to Redbridge with unforgettable memories, greater confidence and a renewed passion for discovery.
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