Reach for the skies
All 13 winners of the Royal Air Force Award for Secondary Headteacher of the Year were rewarded with a VIP visit to an air station and the chance to sit in a pilot's seat.
On 25 September Caroline Haynes, headteacher of Tendring Technology College at Frinton-on-Sea and winner in the East of England, took a dozen Year 10 pupils to RAF Honington in Suffolk.
The visit included a tour of the Regimental Museum and lunch in the Officers' Mess, followed by team-building exercises. Earlier Caroline had visited Cambridge University Air Squadron where she flew in a Tutor aircraft, used for elementary flying training in the RAF.
Meanwhile Jo Shuter and 12 students from Quintin Kynaston School, London, participated in a VIP day at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire and had the chance to view a Merlin Helicopter.
Their headteacher enjoyed a one-hour flight in a Tutor aircraft where she was allowed to take the controls and carry out a selection of aerobatics. 'I really enjoyed the flying,' said Jo, 'though I think you need a strong stomach! QK students had a great day out.'
As winner of the national Award Jo will now be offered the opportunity to fly in a Red Arrows Hawk jet.
