West Kirby teenager chosen for Space Camp

May 14 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Birkenhead News

THE sky is no limit for a Wirral student who will visit Space Camp at Andøya Rocket Range this summer.

Robyn Parody, 18, of West Kirby Grammar School, is the only British person to secure a place at the scientific camp this year with 24 other young scientists from all over the world.

The Norwegian camp, made possible by Andøya Rocket Range, the National Centre of Space-Related Education, the Norwegian Space Centre and the European Space Agency, was first introduced in 1996.

Students who attend are treated as real scientists and work on advanced problems using professional equipment.

The subjects dealt with at Space Camp vary from the Northern Lights to rockets, satellite communication in space as well as astronaut training.

Robyn said: “I am really excited, this is an amazing opportunity.

“I became interested in space when I was doing my GCSEs.

“I then went on to study maths, physics and history at A Level.

“I would love to be an astronaut, but if that doesn’t work out I’d like to be a researcher.

“The great thing about space is we know very little about it - I could keep researching my entire life and never find the answers.

“In my application for camp I said space was explosive and eternal - it’s also the unknown that excites me.

“I’ll be attending camp on June 22 for eight days.

“The age range is 17-22, so I’ll be one of the youngest, which is a bit scary.”

Robyn is hoping to study physics at Oxford University in September depending on her exam results.

Rob Nile, head of physics, said: “I have taught at West Kirby Grammar for 40 years and Robyn is one of my most enthusiast and talented pupils.

“This is an amazing opportunity for her - she has a bright future ahead of her.”