Students reach for the skies as Apache visits The Bourne Academy

Students at The Bourne Academy in Bournemouth looked onwards and upwards on the 4^th October when an Apache helicopter from 673 Squadron Army Air Corps made a very special landing on the Academy sports field.  Engineering is one of the Academy’s specialisms and the visit was designed to inspire more students into a career in engineering as there is a growing demand for more apprentices and engineers in industry.

Bourne Academy Engineering student, Hannah Booth, aged 15 said: “Today has been truly amazing and inspiring for me and my fellow students. I am passionate about creating and manufacturing. Engineering is where I see my future and nothing will stand in my way.”

The Apache aircraft is without a doubt the very best of British, they are made by AgustaWestland in Yeovil, powered by Rolls-Royce engines and many of the components on board are designed and built in Britain.   

Will Storey, Head of Engineering at The Bourne Academy said: “The Apache aircraft is at the cutting edge of engineering excellence; the combination of onboard technology, electronics, aerodynamics and communications ensure that it remains at the forefront of UK military capability. Likewise, we want The Bourne Academy engineering students to aspire to be the very best and shape the future of engineering in the UK.

We are already developing our own engineering excellence; over the past year the Academy’s Engineering Team, the Bourne Engineers, guided by their teachers built and raced their own electric car – The Bourne Bullet.  They have successfully entered the Greenpower South West regional qualifiers at Merryfield and have won best newcomers and are set to qualify for the finals at Goodwood Motor Circuit in October.”

Richard Youngs, Director of Business Strategy, ex-Apache Squadron Commander and Instructor said: “When Bourne Academy’s brand new £10 million Sixth Form opens in September 2013 our students will have the opportunity to continue their education as well as build meaningful links with employers.   

"We aim to build on the success of the Academy and develop strong relationships with the commercial world so that we can provide high quality, motivated and employable business leaders of the future.”

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For more information about The Bourne Academy please contact:   

Jackie Phillipson or Richard Blunderfield, P-PR Media Solutions   

Tel: 07740611147 or Email: jackie@p-pr.co.uk