The Flying Squad is just one of the many clubs and activities on offer at Buckswood School who devote every Wednesday afternoon to the students trying out new activities and perfecting their talents in the Clubs and Activities programme.
Three students travelled to Lydd Airport where they were given classroom-based instruction, a walk around the airplane by flying instructor Clive Hughes from Lydd Aero Club before getting behind the controls of the Piper Archer aircraft and taking to the skies.
From Lydd, the students flew over the school and managed to take some amazing aerial shots of the grounds, including the sports fields, vineyard and orchard, school house. The extent of the school’s commitment to green energy was clearly visible with the reflection from the banks of solar panels.
Watching from outside his office, Buckswood headteacher, Mr Redsell, said: “At first I was a little nervous when we heard the plane coming over the school, but once they were overhead it was clear that our students had everything under control under the watchful eye of their instructors. I am very proud to be part of a school where nothing is impossible and students are always encouraged to aim high and pursue their dreams.”
One of the students taking part in the session, Salem Shammakh, said of the experience: “Flying is something I have always wanted to do and I am very happy to have finally achieved my dream. The views of Hastings from the sky were truly unforgettable.”
Clubs and Activities Manager, Toby Cuthbert, said: “The Flying Squad is just one example of Buckswood’s ethos of preparing for the life by giving students real-world, hands-on experience. We actively encourage all of our scholars to give new things a try, after all, you don’t know if you are the next World Champion if you’re too scared to give it a go.”
The Buckswood Flying Squad, Salem Shammakh, Alonso Guerra and Cuauhtemoc Jarmamillo Rodriguez, were presented with certificates at the end of the session by their instructor and have completed their first hour of flying time towards their licences.
