Sir John Thomson ‘Spirit of Aviation’ Award
The selection process for candidates to be awarded Gliding and Flying courses
is undertaken with the help of the British Model Flying Association (BMFA). The
one-day “Selection Day” takes place in November each year, at a venue hired
for the day in Bristol. Out of the group of students who apply to take part in
the programme, four successful candidates will be selected to attend a 5-day
Gliding course at the Cotswold Gliding Club (Aston Down) either in the Spring
or Summer holidays. The following year, those four candidates will fly up to 10
hours in a light aircraft with the Kemble Flying Club (KFC), again in the Spring or
Summer holidays. Additional gliding may be offered to a deserving candidate
who is not selected as one of the four Award winners. An exceptional student
may even be offered extra flying.
How are students selected?
Year 10 students from various backgrounds are invited through their schools
(across the Bristol area) to take part in the Selection Day programme and are
nominated by their schools to apply. ‘Spirit of Aviation’ offers them a chance
to experience something they would never imagine they could access. The aim
is to introduce people to the world of aviation and science, to help young
people to grow in confidence and self-esteem. Those candidates are required
to demonstrate their enthusiasm for aviation in any form. The Selection Day
programme will include interviews with members of the Spirit of Aviation
team. The programme will also involve participation in non-school based
groups for different modules each lasting 45 minutes – these will include:
A ‘Survival Exercise’, Drone Technology and Piloting, working with a Flight
Simulator, and interviews. The activities will be used to assess their enthusiasm
for flying and suitability for selection for the Flying and Gliding courses.
Before the Selection Day candidates are required to prepare a 50-word
personal statement, explaining why they have applied and how they would
embrace this opportunity if they were selected.
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Conclusion of the day
The Selection Day will finish with an evaluation of the day’s activities and
students will be advised when they can expect to receive the selection results.
A Spirit of Aviation Attendance and Completion Certificate will be awarded to
all candidates. Candidates and their families will be invited to a BBQ Picnic at
Bowldown Farm in the next July. Members of the Royal Air Squadron will fly
their aircraft to the airstrip and visitors will have the opportunity for a flight.
Representatives from Jet 2 will also attend and be available to offer
information about careers in the airline industry.
TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you for your email sharing the wonderful outcome of the selection process. I have now shared the news with the 4 students. (Nayra, Philippa, Karim & Alvis). Philippa and Alvis were absolutely delighted to be selected, and Nayra was very happy with the voucher to do some gliding. Whilst disappointed not to be selected, Karim has asked me to let you know that he thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the selection process and would like to thank you for the opportunity to gain useful information and develop his interview skills”.
Redland Green School
“Yes, both boys (Dillon & Leo) and their parents were thrilled with outcome. Thank especially for offering an extra opportunity to Leo, it somewhat softened the blow which was great. It must have been a hard decision for you all. The day sounded great fun, and I know all our students enjoyed themselves”
Winterbourne Academy