The focus of the two-year course is a pair of projects which leads to two HPQ qualifications. In the first year, the project results in a dissertation which addresses a question based on the students’ interests. In the second, an astronomical artefact is designed, built and used. The course, which includes a formal taught element as well as independent work,  is pursued as an additional subject during an extra-curricular activity on a Friday afternoon.

The HPQs are distinct from each other and in qualification terms, a pair of HPQs equates to a full GCSE.

Examples of projects include:

Should humans populate Mars?
How does the Moon affect our daily lives?
How does Science class with Astrology?
The design, construction and use of a Sundial.
The design, construction and use of a telescope.

The School is extremely well-resourced for Astronomy. The centrepiece is the state-of-the-art Robert Hooke Observatory, which contains two optical and one solar telescope and a range of photographic and spectroscopic apparatus. Observing sessions take place each week, conditions permitting, and pupils are encouraged to become proficient in the use of the instruments.

We also possess a three-metre Astrodome, an inflatable planetarium used as a night sky simulator. In addition to the internal applications, presentations are given to outside visitors and pupils are often involved with this work. The ‘Magic Planet’ is a 70-cm dome used to illustrate celestial objects and phenomena such as planets, moons and the constellations, which is also used both for the study of the subject and for visitor demonstrations.

There are a number of national essay and poster competitions and Upper School pupils are encouraged to enter the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad held annually.

Impressive numbers of former pupils leave Westminster to study Physical Sciences or Engineering (as well as Astronomy or Astrophysics). Both of these extensive areas often include Astronomy, from the scrutiny of atomic and sub-atomic dynamics that lead to star formation and evolution to the design and construction of things like telescopes, spectrometers, satellites and space probes. The Astronomical and Aeronautical industries are aligned to numerous research and manufacturing disciplines and the integration of these areas and their influences are far-reaching and manifold.