Pri values - Aspiration & Gratitude 4: Cathy

Teacher notes

In this session, pupils build on their understanding of aspiration and gratitude by watching Cathy’s film. Cathy’s story highlights curiosity, perseverance, and the importance of inspiring others. The lesson ends with a reflection across Deenpal, Donya, and Cathy, helping pupils connect different forms of aspiration. **Storyworld Summary** In Space Mission Lucy, pupils meet Donya, an African American space engineer at NASA, who leads a ground-breaking mission to study the Trojan asteroids orbiting Jupiter. The story blends Donya’s love of space with her personal journey researching her ancestry. Pupils explore key spaces in NASA, learn about the Lucy spacecraft and discover how Donya’s identity — as a scientist and a descendant of enslaved people — fuels both her gratitude and her ambition. **Learning objectives**: By the end of the session, pupils will: Understand that aspiration can grow over time Explore how learning and curiosity lead to new opportunities Reflect on gratitude as recognising who and what helped us grow **National Curriculum Links** **PSHE / RSHE** H23: Aspirations, work, and career H25: Setting goals and celebrating achievements L5: Recognising positive role models **Science** Understanding how science works in the real world Observing people working scientifically in different careers **Citizenship** Appreciating diversity in roles, backgrounds, and contributions to society Exploring how individual stories can inspire action