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                                                                      

TV’s Dragons make Boy’s Dreams Come True

Twelve year old James, from Frome in Somerset, has Neurofibromatosis and it has always been his dream to meet the entrepreneur Peter Jones.  His dream became reality when Peter Jones and the BBC Dragons’ Den team allowed him and his parents to visit the set during filming and meet the legendary Dragons. The Dragons were impressed with James’ natural business acumen and told him that he could well be a Dragon of the future.

Peter Newman, from Dreams Come True, says: “We get many different requests from families who want a Dream; from special equipment to make the children’s lives easier such as sensory equipment or specially adapted bicycles, or a chance to go on a family holiday or to meet a famous person or band.

“We are delighted that Peter Jones, his fellow Dragons and the BBC were able to help us. Every time a dream becomes a reality it has a massive impact on the child and their family and you should never underestimate the power of a dream!”

Neurofibromatosis is a genetically-inherited disorder in which the nerve tissue grows tumours (neurofibromas) that may be benign or may cause serious damage by compressing nerves and other tissues.  Cellular elements from these cell types proliferate excessively throughout the body, forming tumours; melanocytes also function abnormally in this disease, resulting in disordered skin pigmentation and café au lait spots.

The tumours may cause bumps under the skin, coloured spots, skeletal problems, pressure on spinal nerve roots, and other neurological problems.

Dreams Come True is a national children’s charity serving the whole of the UK. Our mission is, quite simply, to make dreams come true for terminally and seriously ill children across the country. Over the last ten years we have brought happiness and joy to more than five thousand children as well as their friends, families and carers. For more information visit: www.dctc.org.uk

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For media enquiries please contact:

Jackie Phillipson or Richard Blunderfield at P-PR Media Solutions

T: 01202 896698 or Email: jackie@p-pr.co.uk