Fantastic Aerospace Day At Coventry University

As part of our partnership with Coventry University, 10 of our 3rd year pupils had an amazing opportunity to visit the university and enjoy a day dedicated to aerospace engineering.

The sessions were put together by Mr David Quince, a Project Manager and researcher on various EU funded projects and an Assistant Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering at Coventry University. As he is shortly leaving the university to return to industry and design jet engine components, our pupils were very lucky to benefit from his expertise.

The day began with a lecture and practical demonstration (involving Adam Dickinson and Ironman) asking why a 560 tonne aircraft doesn't fall out of the sky, and then continued with a challenge for them to build their own solar-powered helicopter.

Our pupils impressed Mr Quince with their knowledge of the principles of Physics; he even commented that children from their year group scarcely ever knew the answers to his questions!

Later in the day, pupils had the opportunity of viewing the Harrier jump jet that lives in the basement of the spectacular £55 million Engineering and Computing building, and taking part in some hands-on jet engine construction in one of the aerospace labs.

Two of the pupils who attended kindly gave us a review of the highlights of the day. Ayesha Riaz said: 'My favourite part of going to Coventry University was building and labelling a model helicopter. It was really fun and competitive, but quite fiddly to make. I enjoyed learning about the different parts of the helicopter and I thought it was very interesting.'

George Parker added: 'Splitting the day into three sections was excellent. The first of these informed us how something as heavy as an Airbus A380 can fly and I enjoyed learning about how companies such as Airbus build their planes.

I really enjoyed the next session about helicopters, when we had to split up into teams of two and piece together the different shaped cut outs to form a 3D model of a helicopter, and it was even better when my partner and I won!

The final part of the visit, spent in the basement of the University building, was also excellent. Here we investigated the basic principles of how a jet engine works. We even attempted to make one ourselves using paper. A few paper engines did catch fire but some of them worked enabling them to move along the table. Overall, I thought the day was thoroughly enjoyable and I am thankful for the opportunity. I would love to do something similar again.'

Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt (Head of Outreach and Enrichment), who organised and accompanied the first part of the visit (with Mr Trevor Hyde, Head of Physics, taking over later), said: 'I was so impressed with our pupils' knowledge and their ability to work out seemingly impossible equations. Their excellent approach to this really special opportunity was great to see.'

Footnote

Coventry University recommended the Fly Higher website for further research and learning about career possibilities in aerospace engineering.

(Photographs by Mrs Scott-Burt.)