Maths learning takes off at Exeter Airport

Year 5 pupils from Exeter Junior School visited Exeter Airport to investigate maths in the world around them and develop their skills of independent questioning and reflection.

Prior to the visit, pupils collaborated to devise interesting mathematical questions that they could solve by consulting airport staff and conducting independent research using sources such as leaflets and the airport website.

During their time at the airport, pupils were enthralled by their tour around a working hangar. They particularly enjoyed examining the inner workings of an engine, under the guidance of engineers. Pupils were also interested to hear about the strict safety measures and training programme employed by Flybe in the newly developed Training Academy.

Tom Weekes enjoyed talking about how the sewerage system works on a plane and looking at the water tank.

Phoebe Redfern said: "The airplane weighs about 35 tonnes and can carry 20 tonnes. That was surprising!"

"When I looked at the challenges they set themselves, like the rabbit warren, I thought, wow and pure determination," said Charles Ford.

Connie Croft said it was a brilliant experience going behind the scenes of aeroplanes and how much effort is put in.

Tom Scott-Robins said: "The flight simulators were massive and made tonnes of noise."

"The best bit was when we went around the hangar and we learnt lots of interesting facts such as how many kilograms a plane can carry," said Xarinelle Keay.

Exeter Junior School teacher Kirsty Daws said: "In addition to furthering their practical mathematics skills, this visit proved to be an inspirational outdoor learning opportunity, encouraging many of the pupils to aspire to becoming pilots and engineers themselves or indeed one of the numerous other interesting roles in this dynamic environment."

A big thank you to Gemma from Flybe Engineering and Andrew from Flybe Training Academy for organising such a worthwhile trip.