Forty-Five Year 10 students from King’s Oak Academy had the unique opportunity to visit the Airbus site in Filton for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event during National Apprenticeship Week.
The students started with a tour of the landing gear test facility and the fuel testing facility, witnessing scientists at work and the sophisticated computer systems that control the testing processes.
They then engaged in a task where they had to work in groups to design the inside of an Airbus cabin, thinking about maximising profit for the airline.
They also took part in a series of gliding activities, which included hands-on experiences in gliding simulators, mastering how to complete many different manoeuvres – including loop-the-loops – under the guidance of expert instructors.
The final task was an interactive session where students got to question different employees of both Airbus and the Gliding Association about their career pathways, gaining valuable insights into the diverse opportunities within the aerospace and aviation industries.
Laura Phillips, associate assistant principal for STEM at King’s Oak, said: “The students had a really informative visit and were a real credit to the academy. “