Our Year 9 pupils gathered in the Main Hall on Wednesday 22nd January 2025 to participate in the Physics Department's 'Flying Start' Challenge.
It was an exciting day for our physicists as a group of twelve Airbus engineers visited Clifton High School to undertake a series of inspirational masterclass lessons with them on the dynamics of flight and aircraft design.
The pupils were tasked with working in teams of four to design and build a glider out of materials of their choice. They were responsible for collaborating within their teams to plan a budget to select and utilise materials that were to prove efficient and effective in the design of the most dynamic flying machine!
What is The Flying Start Challenge?
The Flying Start Challenge is a renowned engineering competition, sponsored by Leonardo UK, a leading aerospace company based in Bristol, that aims to establish and develop key engineering skills as well as encouraging an increase awareness for school-aged children of the careers available within the industry.
In association with the Royal Aeronautical Society, Leonardo invites schools across the South West to participate in The Flying Start Challenge; to compete in rounds that reach a Regional Fly-Off event, before they aim to achieve a place in the Grand Final.
Design ..... Build ..... Glide!
After a morning of designing and building - it was time to glide! Pupils eagerly gathered in the Main Hall for the 'Fly-Off' Competition. Each team was given three opportunities to record a long and straight flight from the stage, whilst their peers cheered from the balcony. There was much excitement when Team 'Winner with Wings' glider, thrown by Finley, managed to reach the balcony and William, in turn, made some spectacular throws, hitting an overhanging halo ceiling light before lodging his teams' glider behind a TV screen!
'Winners with Wings'
As the gliding came to an end, first place for a flight of 18.2m was awarded to the aptly named "Winners with Wings" team (Finley, Lois, Ben and Chloe). They were followed closely by "We Bring the Boom" (Sal, Lissey, Elijah and Jana) who achieved a 16.7m and third place was taken by Team "Penguins" (Edward, Anja, Lucas and Jessica) with a flight distance of 14.5m.
What Happens Next?
We now look forward with much anticipation to winning team, "Winners with Wings", progressing to the Flying Start Regional Final in March - with the added possibility that "We Bring the Boom" and "Penguins" will make the final cut with their distances.
Watch this space for updates!
Thank you to all those involved, Leonardo UK for their guidance and the support that the Physics department have given the Year 9 pupils.
