The Royal Astronomical Society 2024 Award

Royal Astronomical Society recognises Mrs. Arabi Karteepan, Head of Physics at Croydon High School, with the 2024 Secondary and Further Education Award

The Royal Astronomical Society is delighted to announce that Mrs. Arabi Karteepan, Head of Physics at Croydon High School, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Secondary and Further Education Award, recognising her outstanding contributions to promoting Astronomy and Space Science within the educational community.

For over a decade, Mrs. Karteepan has been an inspiring force at her school, where she has been teaching for three years, and in the wider community. Her passion for astronomy has not only been a driving force behind her teaching but has also resulted in groundbreaking initiatives that have captured the imagination of her pupils and the wider public.

Mrs. Karteepan’s achievements include leading one of the first successful launches from a UK school of high-altitude meteorological balloons, reaching an impressive altitude of over 32,000 metres. This accomplishment, involving two payloads, demonstrated her commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, providing her pupils with a unique and engaging experience.

Under Mrs. Karteepan’s leadership, the Astrogazers club at her school has flourished, becoming oversubscribed and inspiring numerous pupils to pursue interests in science and astronomy. Her creativity has extended to leveraging digital platforms, such as YouTube, to broadcast live action, ensuring that the wonders of science and astronomy reach a wider audience.

Ms. Annabel Davies, Head at Croydon High School, comments:

“We are so proud of Mrs Karteepan for this prestigious recognition from The Royal Astronomical Society. Her extraordinary efforts in fostering a love for astronomy and science amongst our pupils at Croydon High School and in the wider community are unparalleled. The 2024 Secondary and Further Education Award is a well-deserved recognition of her exe mplary contributions, and we are confident that her influence will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and astronomers. Congratulations, Mrs. Karteepan!”

Mrs. Karteepan has actively collaborated with other agencies to engage her pupils in exciting scientific projects. Notable among these collaborations is her partnership with OpenWeather, hosting a workshop on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration images using amateur radio. Mrs. Karteepan’s commitment extends to ongoing weather balloon projects and potential satellite initiatives, showcasing her dedication to pushing the boundaries of space and science education.

The Royal Astronomical Society’s Education & Outreach Awards Committee 2024 comments:

“So infectious is her passion, she is now being contacted by other communicators for advice and ideas on how to promote space and astronomy within their educational institutions.”

Her impact resonates far beyond the confines of her classroom, illustrating the transformative power of passionate and dedicated educators.

Mrs Arabi Karteepan comments:

“I am truly honoured to receive The Royal Astronomical Society’s prestigious award, especially as it coincides with my 15th year of teaching. This recognition is particularly meaningful, as it would have made my late mother, an inspiring teacher, incredibly proud.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Croydon High School’s pupils, staff, and parents, as well as those who have inspired my teaching journey. The exceptional support from the school community has been instrumental in the success of Astrogazers missions. The past two years with Astrogazers, including a successful weather balloon launch and an upcoming satellite launch, have been filled with challenges and excitement. I’m grateful for the incredible pupils, supportive parents, and the valuable partnership with Prof Cathryn Mitchell and Dr Robert Watson.

I am committed to providing the best opportunities and service to pupils at Croydon High School and the wider community. I look forward to further contributing to the field of education and in the years to come.”