Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Dubai recently welcomed Dr Don Thomas, former NASA astronaut and veteran of four Space Shuttle missions, for a two-day programme designed to deepen pupils’ understanding of space science and strengthen engagement with STEM subjects. With more than 1,040 hours spent in space, his visit reflects the Colleges’ commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world expertise.
The visit aligns with the UAE’s national priorities in advancing the space sector and enhancing STEM education through initiatives led by the UAE Space Agency, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and national investment in scientific research and innovation.
Across both campuses, Dr Thomas shared insights from his missions aboard Space Shuttle Columbia and Discovery, covering scientific investigations, satellite operations and life in orbit. His reflections on perseverance, hard work and never giving up on one’s dreams offered pupils a motivating personal perspective on space exploration.
Brighton College Abu Dhabi: Whole School Participation
At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Dr Thomas met pupils across all year groups, beginning with interactive sessions in Pre-Prep and Years 3 and 4. This was followed by a detailed presentation to pupils in Years 5 to 13, offering older students a deeper understanding of life and work in orbit, including time measurement in space and the operational demands of Shuttle missions.
Taoyang Ding, a Year 13 pupil at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, said:
“The key message I took is that remarkable accomplishments are often achieved by ordinary people who commit wholeheartedly to their goals. It showed how perseverance and patience make even the most challenging goals possible.”
The visit supported Brighton College Abu Dhabi’s extensive STEM curriculum, spanning Solar System studies in Year 5, orbits and stellar evolution in Year 11, and cosmology in Year 13. Pupils also compete in the British Physics Olympiad and launch hydrogen rockets during Science Week.
Brighton College Dubai: STEM Workshops and Future Pathways
At Brighton College Dubai, Dr Thomas delivered assemblies and workshops for Upper Prep, Pre-Prep and Lower Senior pupils, offering insight into his career journey and the preparation required for space missions. He also led focused sessions for Year 10 and Year 11 pupils that explored STEM pathways, followed by a Sixth Form workshop supporting pupils preparing for university study in scientific and engineering fields.
His visit complemented the College’s broader STEM programme, which includes early access to Senior School laboratories, opportunities to join pupil-led STEM societies and a structured academic framework that builds scientific and analytical skills.
Reflecting on his time at both Colleges, Dr Don Thomas said:
“My visit to Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Dubai was outstanding. The excitement from children and staff was palpable, real, and exciting to see. It was a pleasure to meet with and speak to groups across all year levels, including some of the youngest in their themed costumes for the day. Discussions and questions from the older pupils really highlight the strengths of Brighton College’s curriculum and the preparation that is provided to those headed to universities globally. The EverCurious Space team is excited to return in 2026 to continue the pupils’ Space education journey with a SpaceWise Academy.”
Continuing Commitment to World Class STEM Education
Dr Thomas’s visit reinforced the shared academic ambition of Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Dubai and offered pupils an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from a leading figure in space exploration. The programme strengthened the Colleges’ ongoing commitment to delivering world-class STEM education and inspiring future scientists, engineers and innovators.
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Further Reading:
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