Searching for aliens and spotting comets is just another day in the classroom for students at Saltus Grammar School.

For the past two years pupils have been taking part in the Comenius Astronomy Project — an international forum aimed at increasing knowledge, but also friendships.

The three-year project, funded by the British Council, brings together students from schools in six countries — Bermuda, the UK, Italy, Turkey, The Netherlands and Spain. They work together on various astronomy assignments.

Entitled 'All Under One Sky', the scheme enables pupils to develop their scientific knowledge but also skills in communication, modern languages, research and data analysis.

Annual student and teacher exchanges also help those taking part to forge friendships with pupils of different nationalities.

Saltus pupils visited Amsterdam and Groenlo in the Netherlands in 2005; Barcelona, Spain, and Cornwall, England, in December; and they will travel to Turkey next year.

A school spokesman said: "Saltus Grammar School's involvement in the Comenius Astronomy Project has enabled it to form close ties with participating schools, and provisions have been set up for students to work with each other on a variety of activities."

Experiments have included building a 'lunar module' and sending a rocket into the sky. Some projects have been judged by members of the Bermuda Astronomical Society.

There have also been a variety of creative activities, such as a competition to create a logo which was won by Saltus pupil Chris Mahoney in 2005.

Recently they were able to speak to scientists around the world working on the SETI project (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence). SETI is an ongoing survey of the universe aimed at detecting the existence of transmissions from other civilisations.

For those pupils inspired to take their astronomy further, teachers also run a weekly after-school club.

In order to fully participate in the final year of the project, the school is holding an International Dinner today at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25. Contact the Saltus Senior Department Office on 292- 2235 to make a booking.