tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550074.post-1145547190519841542006-04-20T16:31:00.000+01:002006-04-20T16:37:48.756+01:00The Scottish creator of one of the world's leading science education programmes is celebrating his success at the 'Arthurs' - the space industry equivalent of the Oscars. Alex Blackwood, the head of enterprise in education at Careers Scotland, has taken home an award from the 2006 Sir Arthur Clarke awards in the category of Achievement in Education. He has been recognised for his contribution to learning and teaching and the promotion of science as a career choice. The 'Arthurs' celebrate the success of scientists, organisations, educators and journalists who work in and promote the UK Space Science industry. The awards were presented at a black-tie dinner on Saturday 8 April, at Charterhouse School in Surrey. This year’s nominees included Richard Branson and the British born astronaut Michael Foale. Alex received the award for his work with the Careers Scotland Space School - a unique initiative supported by the Scottish Executive and the International Space Community. The programme aims to increase the participation and motivation of school students in science, engineering and technology. Every year fifty of its brightest and most enthusiastic students are selected to experience the highlight of the Careers Scotland Space School: a trip of a lifetime to NASA’s Space Center in Houston. Alex, a former physics teacher who lives in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, played a key role in setting up the first Space School in January 2002. Originally developed as a local project for a small number of Glasgow school students, the programme's success has led to its countrywide expansion. Last year, more than 22,500 young people had access to a team of inspirational NASA astronauts and scientists, who visited Scotland as part of the SpaceSchool programme. Alex said: "I am delighted that the Careers Scotland Space School has achieved national recognition. Its success is down to the unique relationship that Careers Scotland has formed with NASA and its astronauts, scientists and engineers. Their continued support and passion for science and learning is truly inspirational. I would also like to thank the Careers Scotland team who have worked so hard to ensure that the Space School programme is a success for everyone who participates." For more information about the 2006 Sir Arthur Clarke Awards visit their website. Notes to editors: Careers Scotland offers a range of career planning and information services to enable people of all ages to maximise their career potential. As a national organisation, Careers Scotland has a clear and simple purpose - to help the people of Scotland secure the jobs of tomorrow. Its aim is to make a difference by equipping people with the skills to make well informed career decisions throughout their lives. Careers Scotland operates centres throughout Scotland and can be contacted through the website www.careers-scotland.org.uk and on 0845 8 502 502. It is part of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Media contact: Lucy Robb Tel: 0141 228 2995 / 07887 628732 Email: <a href="maito:lucy.robb@scotent.co.uk">maito:lucy.robb@scotent.co.uk</a>Web Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05225457275137040993noreply@blogger.com