THE sky is the limit for these two young stars who are mapping out a bright future for themselves.

For Dylan Hankinson and Max Marsden-Price are reaching the end of their first year of studying GCSE astronomy — despite being only 10-years-old, making them amongst the youngest to be studying for the qualification.

The two, who are pupils at The Oaks Primary, spend a day a week after school studying for the qualification in Sharples School, alongside high school pupils.

This time next year the class will have use of an observatory to be developed in the grounds of Sharples School and will sit the examination together.

Dylan said: “I am excited and nervous to be studying for a GCSE qualification at this age — it was when we were asked to do coursework that it suddenly became real.

“I have been interested in astronomy since year three when we did the space beginners course.

“I have learned so much and it does not feel like we are studying for a GCSE — it’s amazing we have a chance to do astronomy on this level.”

Max said: “It is really good to be doing astronomy. There are millions of stars, and different plants, infinite space it is just so interesting.”

The boys say they have had to understand difficult concepts including advanced equations to measure the circumference of the earth.

Dylan, who will carrying on coming to the astronomy club when he starts Canon Slade, said: “I was clapping when I understood it, we had only done simple algebra at school, and this equation was hard.

“The best thing I have done as part of studying astronomy is seeing the eclipse using the technology — it was a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Sharples School introduced astronomy as an extra GCSE as part of an after school class for pupils.

When deputy headteacher Mukesh Singadia saw the enthusiasm of primary school youngsters about the sky at night as part of his work in the local community, he opened up the opportunity to take the qualification to primary school children.

He said: “They showed so much enthusiasm and knowledge for the subject — they knew so much already and I could see they were capable.

"The jaws of our pupils fall open at the amount of knowledge these children know.

“The course is to inspire them to study science and to become astro-physicists and physicists."