Eight CCF RAF Cadets recently attended a flight experience day at RAF Benson. Competition for flying slots is extremely tough with 1,745 cadets bidding for just 320 slots this term, so we were very fortunate to be allocated some slots.

After arrival and passing through RAF security, the cadets were shown a safety video and were taken through the emergency evacuation procedures, including how to wear and deploy a parachute in the very unlikely event of needing to abandon their aircraft. A few of them were feeling a bit anxious at this point!

The pilots introduced themselves and the cadets were kitted out in flight suits, gloves, helmets and some rather funky airman sunglasses and then awaited their turn to be taken up into the air in a Grob G115E trainer aircraft.

All the cadets had the opportunity to take the controls during their 20-minute flight whilst the ones awaiting their turn could follow their comrade’s progress on FlightRadar. Most asked their pilots to perform some aerobatics, including barrel rolls and loop the loops. The sick bags weren’t needed too often, thankfully!!

The cadets all returned safely to earth with huge grins on their faces in what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to fly a light aircraft.

William (11P3) said, “Thank you for the amazing RAF trip on Friday. I really enjoyed it, it was a really great experience. “

We have put in a bid for more slots for next term, so fingers crossed we can take some more cadets flying very soon!!

APO J C Talbot,

CCF RAF Section Commander

 

On Wednesday 23 October, Year 10 Textiles students spent the day visiting the Oceanarium and the coastline of Bournemouth. Students observed and took photographs of marine animals and plants to use as inspiration for pattern, colour, shape and texture within their GCSE coursework. Here is what students had to say about the trip:

“My favourite part of the trip was seeing the turtle and the pufferfish. This will inspire my project, as I will use different textures and colours seen at the aquarium to imitate the patterns of the sea life”

Phoebe (10D2)

 “This is my favourite picture that I took from the textiles aquarium trip because I like the pattern on the fish. It’s clear and not too busy. I also like how you can tell what the textures would feel like on the fins, and this can be inspiration for shape and structure later on in the project. Finally, I like how the background is slightly blurred because it brings focus onto the fish”

Amelie (10D1)

“My favourite part of the trip was definitely walking on the beach and observing all of the beautiful different types of shells”

Chloe (10E2)

 

 

As part of the cultural enrichment programme, our students studying Chinese had the chance to visit the Kung Fu Oriental Buffet in Newbury to enjoy a meal together. Everyone had a great time. Some of the Year 7 students from Hong Kong, were kind enough to demonstrate to us how to hold chopsticks correctly.

Alice Rumens (8E1) said, “I really enjoyed the trip to Kung Fu. My favourite foods were the sushi and lychees, which hadn’t tried before. We played games and quizzes and I like learning about the different Chinese cities. Thanks to Mrs Wood for organising this for us.”