TOM HAS LIFT-OFF!

SCA Sixth Former inspired by NASA Astronauts

When Salford City Academy Sixth Former, Tom Granell signed up for executive shadowing at BBC 21CC in Swinton he was totally unaware of the surprise in store for him.

Pleased enough to be exploring creative ways of using multimedia and new technology, the Year 13 student was left taken aback when two NASA astronauts turned up for an educational workshop.

"I only found out half an hour before they arrived and even then I didn't believe it. When they turned up in their blue mission jump suits I was finally convinced but it still took a while to sink in," said Tom.

Astronauts, Tony Antonelli and Steve Swanson had only recently re-entered Earth's atmosphere after a successful mission on board the Space Shuttle Discovery to update the solar paneling on the International Space Station.

They popped into BBC 21 CC as part of a UK-wide tour to motivate young people to study science, engineering and maths. During their visit they were interviewed by local primary schoolchildren about training to be an astronaut and life in space.

Tom was lucky enough to film the whole event and was so inspired by his experience that he's convinced a career in digital media is for him.

"I did a lot of cool stuff at BBC 21CC including animation, filming, photography and podcasting but the opportunity to meet and film Tony and Steve capped it all off. It was a fantastic experience," added Tom. 

SCA Director of Sixth Form Matt Bold said: "Due to Tom's interests in journalism and new media, we thought he'd find an executive shadowing placement at BBC 21 CC rewarding. We were as shocked as him when he returned with tales of astronauts and space missions but the whole experience has inspired him for the future and that is what our executive shadowing programme is all about. I'm delighted he had such a good time."