Hayden in Print
Published by Concord College on Monday 13th of October 2025
Sixth Form student Hayden has published his first book, a guide to studying and understanding GCSE Astronomy.
The 260-page textbook, which includes many of Hayden’s own diagrams and photos, is the culmination of 1 and a half years of writing which he began in the middle of his GCSEs during May 2024.
When asked about what inspired him to write the book, Hayden said “I always loved astronomy as a kid, and even more so after I came to Concord with the GCSE Astronomy course and the pristine dark sky on site.”
“What motivated me to publish the book was to promote astronomy so that more people can appreciate the universe. I do some astrophotography in my free time and that further confirmed my passion for astronomy. Therefore, I thought writing a good book for the GCSE Astronomy course that is also accessible to most students would be the best way to introduce it. While I was doing the course, there was little resource that I could use to revise and study, therefore I also wanted to share the knowledge and tips I learnt to get a grade 9 in the subject.”
Another inspiration for Hayden to write and publish his own book was seeing Concord Alumni, Amae, do the same.
Hayden’s aims for the book are to help GCSE Astronomy students secure a grade 7-9 (A-A*) after reading his book and revising diligently. He has also written the appendices which include more advanced astrophysics and mechanics for astronomy enthusiasts who perhaps would like to take part in Olympiads or other extensions. Additionally, Hayden says that “if this book could successfully inspire students to explore the wonderful world of astronomy, that would be awesome.”
His Astronomy Teacher, Roger McBain, is very proud of his achievement: “Hayden Chan is a young man with a passion for astrophotography. When the weather allows, he will set his telescope up and will be imaging some deep space object or other. He takes temporary jobs during his holidays, so that he can buy new and better equipment. The quality of his results speak for themselves.”
“There are about three current GCSE Astronomy textbooks for sale on Amazon – one of those Hayden wrote and had published. Many of the images using in his book are his own.”
