Pictured: (l-r) Paul Kehoe, CEO Birmingham Airport, The Rt.
Hon. Dr Vince Cable MP, Peter Slough, Head Teacher Small Heath
School and Majid Saied
The Rt. Hon. Dr Vince Cable MP, The Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills, officially opened Birmingham
Airport's 'Flight School' on Wednesday 1st February.
'Flight School' is a long-term partnership between the Airport,
its education partners and Midlands businesses, all working
together to create a dedicated learning zone for the exclusive use
of schools and colleges.The facility is equipped with PCs, AV
equipment and classroom furniture to enable students to have a
fully functioning learning facility within an exciting business
environment. The facility also offers dedicated areas for use by
primary and secondary students and unrivalled views across the
runway.
The facility will offer important 'STEM' activities (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Maths) to give pupils hands-on access
to activities that illustrate the practical application of science
and technology.
The project has been heavily supported by Small Heath School and
businesses in the aviation sector, including Goodrich and Bromford
Industries, which have provided models of aircraft engines and
other practical tools to learn about engineering and aviation.
Speaking at the opening event, The Secretary of State for
Business, Vince Cable, said,
"This flight centre is an excellent example of business working
alongside local schools and colleges to give young people hands-on
access to activities that illustrate the practical application of
science and technology.
"Providing dedicated resources for primary and secondary school
pupils, alongside a specialised zone for 'STEM' learning, the
centre will help to stimulate interest and encourage the take up of
the high level skills UK businesses need to succeed."
Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: "We are delighted
to be able to offer this facility which demonstrates the Airport's
full commitment to taking an active role in the education of the
region's young people as part of its wider Corporate Responsibility
programmes. As a business we feel that we can deliver a real
benefit to individuals as they develop skills and attitudes to help
them succeed in the competitive world beyond education."
Pete Slough, Head Teacher, Small Heath School added, "Small
Heath School has been a leading light in the development of the
idea that education should be extended beyond the classroom to take
full advantage of opportunities provided by partnerships with
business and industry, helping to produce better qualified, more
socially aware and more rounded individuals. Working closely with
Birmingham Airport has helped us achieve our goals."
The launch event brought together the worlds of business and
education with over 100 guests from the local area supporting this
new facility.