Clutching their passports and boarding passes, children from Kingswood Preparatory School took their aeroplane seats ready for take-off at a recent visit to Bath College.
But the five and six-year-olds weren’t at an airport; they were sitting in the life-size mock-up aircraft cabin at the college.
The year one children visited the College’s Travel & Tourism department to learn about flying before travelling ‘around the world in 80 days’ for a school project.
The youngsters, who had made their own passports, were checked in, handed boarding passes and had to pass through security before boarding the plane. They then got to meet the plane’s captain before the safety demonstration and take-off.
As they were served drinks and snacks and enjoying a quick quiz on flags of the world, the children could be heard saying: ‘This is awesome,’ ‘this is so much fun’ and ‘when are we going to land?’
Kingswood Preparatory School year one teacher Sian Higgins said: “In the classroom we will be visiting several countries to learn about different cultures, foods and traditions. We are going to China, France, Australia and ending up in Brazil for the World Cup.
“It’s better for children of this age to actually experience flying rather than just being told about it. It’s also been great for the children to interact with the students, they’ve learnt from each other.
“I knew about the cabin as my daughter came to the College and it’s been a really enjoyable experience.
“Although the children did actually think they were flying and got a little concerned when they saw the captain walking around!”
A total of 33 children from Kingswood Preparatory School visited City of Bath College in two groups on Wednesday (15th January).
Travel & Tourism Lecturer Colette Williams said College students had gained first-hand experience of interacting with children which fitted in with their customer service unit.
She said: “These are students who could go on to work in the travel industry so they need experience of communicating with all different people.
“We’re very happy to host the school children as it’s been such a positive experience for us all. Everyone has really enjoyed it and it’s tied in nicely with what we’re learning.”
Level 3 Travel & Tourism Diploma student Mia Cullern-Jones, 16, said: “It’s been great, I’m not really used to talking to young children so I’ve learnt a lot.
“I hope to become a cabin crew member so entertaining children is part of the customer service skills that I will need.”
The aircraft cabin is installed in a classroom in the Ralph Allen building. It is made from MDF, but includes seats, overhead lockers and storage equipment which have been taken from a real aeroplane.
