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Top gun students take flight on cloud nine

Thursday, 16 February 2012

In a Victorian first, 12 high flyers at Brentwood Secondary College today received solo flight certificates after completing a unique course offering flying lessons as part of the school's curriculum.

Education Minister Martin Dixon congratulated students at Brentwood Secondary College who have successfully combined coursework with weekly flying lessons at Tooradin Airport as part of their science studies.

"The sky really is the limit for these 12 passionate and motivated students who have shown a keen interest in aviation and some of whom are taking the first step towards a potential career as a commercial pilot," Mr Dixon said.

"The Top Gun aviation program operating at Brentwood Secondary is a fantastic example of the breadth of educational choice on offer as schools deliver a range of course options and curriculum content that is both practical and engaging.

"Programs like this not only encourage students to be inquisitive learners but also provide them with the skills they will need to operate in our scientifically and technologically advanced world."

The school is believed to be the first government school in Victoria to offer flying lessons as part of the curriculum.

"We are committed to engaging students in maths and science and supporting educational choice through a range of programs that allow students to tap into areas of interest and harness their unique talents and creativity," Mr Dixon said.

"That is why we are investing $2.5 million in grants for 25 government schools, including Brentwood Secondary, to specialise in fields of their choice and to deliver diversity in Victoria's education system."

Brentwood Secondary College will use its specialisation grant of $100,000 to establish an aerospace learning centre and expand its aviation/ aerospace program.

Principal Vicki Forbes said the aviation program had taken flight at the school, with nearly double the number of enrolments this semester compared with the program's first intake in 2011.

"To say the students have been excited about the program is an understatement," Ms Forbes said.

"They have been absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work towards obtaining a recreational pilot's licence and it has really ignited a passion for learning in a number of students."

The program is the brainchild of Brentwood Secondary College maths and science teacher Chris Barry and is supported by an anonymous donor.

The planned aerospace learning centre will be equipped with flight simulation software, scientific equipment, a miniature wind tunnel and rain station and will be accessible to students from Years 7 to 10.

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