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The background is the Royal Air Force Museum, with many aircrafts displayed in a large room. In the foreground are three logos: "Funded by UK Government", "UK Civil Aviation Authority", and "elatt".

ELATT Sixth Form Students Explore the RAF Museum

As part of our Project Elevate initiative, our Sixth Form students embarked on an unforgettable trip to The Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum. This visit was not only an exciting opportunity but also a valuable educational experience designed to inspire young people towards careers in aviation.

About Project Elevate

Project Elevate is an innovative initiative designed to raise awareness, ignite passion, and provide experiences related to the aviation industry for young people in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and East London.

The project engages students through outreach programmes, skills training, and career pathways in aviation. By connecting young learners with industry professionals and hands-on experiences, Project Elevate opens doors to diverse career opportunities.

Discovering the RAF Museum

The RAF Museum offers unparalleled insights into the history and evolution of aviation technology. Home to iconic aircraft such as the legendary Spitfire, modern Eurofighter jets, and interactive experiences including a capsule flight simulator, the museum captivates aviation enthusiasts and curious learners alike.

A young person listens to an audio guide through a telephone handset at an exhibition in the RAF Museum, with other visitors exploring nearby displays.

ELATT Sixth Form students and staff engaging with interactive aviation exhibits at the RAF Museum.

A Day at the Museum: Hands-On Learning

Our students spent the day immersed in aviation history and technology. They explored various aircraft, learning about their historical significance, technological advancements, and roles within aviation history. Highlights included detailed aircraft displays and the thrilling capsule flight simulator experience, providing practical insights into aviation operations.

Inspiring Career Talk by Tim Below

A major highlight of the visit was an insightful presentation from Tim Below, a veteran RAF pilot with 36 years of extensive experience. Tim shared fascinating stories from his career, first as a tactical transport pilot operating worldwide and later as an experimental test pilot, evaluating new aircraft systems. His journey inspired students by showcasing diverse career pathways within aviation.

Student-Led Initiatives and Experiences

The Sixth Form Aviation Club, run by our proactive students, played a crucial role in organising this educational trip. Members were deeply involved, from planning logistics to designing unique club patches featuring the European Kestrel. One student enthusiastically reflected on their experience:

“The museum had a ton of aircraft ranging from Spitfires from the Second World War to modern-day Eurofighters. There were also experiences such as a capsule flight simulator and a 3D movie. As someone who has been fascinated by aviation since the late 2010s, which began with me watching videos of foreign airlines and Cold War-era planes, this was a trip I really enjoyed, considering I got to go inside a plane and see the parts of it, and even got to look at foreign war planes from the USA, Germany, and Japan.

I was fascinated by the aircraft they had on display; I would take an opportunity to go to the museum again if I got the chance. I would recommend the museum to anyone who has an interest in aviation, whether as a hobby or an opportunity for a career (which ranges from being an ATC controller to an aerospace engineer).”

ELATT tutor with a life-sized cut-out of Wing Commander Geoffrey Page, decorated RAF officer and WWII fighter pilot, at the RAF Museum.

Career Pathways and Real-World Skills

Through direct exposure to aviation technology and professional insights, students gained valuable knowledge about various career paths such as aerospace engineering, air traffic control, and piloting.

This trip significantly supported Project Elevate’s objectives by creating tangible connections between academic interests and future professional aspirations, helping students envision their potential career journeys clearly.

Outreach and Inclusivity

In alignment with ELATT’s mission to support diverse student populations, this initiative actively engaged students at ELATT and from partner institutions, including SEND schools such as Stormont House. This inclusive approach ensures broad representation and accessibility, demonstrating our commitment to outreach and diversity in education.

A Successful Step Forward

The RAF Museum visit enhanced career awareness and helped develop essential skills among our students. Experiences like these are crucial for empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm needed for successful careers.

We encourage prospective students, parents, and potential partners to join us in furthering our impactful initiatives, exploring exciting new worlds and myriad career opportunities.