AIMING HIGH – Pilots Mike Crockford and Roisin Atkin are some of the mentors supporting St Aldhelm’s pupils on the Blue Skies programme
Fifteen St Aldhelm’s Academy pupils have joined the youth engagement programme inspired by the former Red Arrows pilot, Jon Egging.
The Jon Egging Trust was launched following the tragic death of pilot Flt Lt Egging at the Bournemouth Air Festival in 2011.Its Blue Skies programme supports young people who find themselves in difficult circumstances, helping them to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.
Blue Skies launched officially at St Aldhelm’s in Herbert Avenue, Poole, this month.
During the next three years its programme leaders and partners will seek to widen the horizons of the group of 15 youngsters by helping them to develop their personal and leadership skills and aspirations.
The programme will also include them in a host of experiences including visits to MOD Boscombe Down and sessions hosted by Wessex Archaeology and Cobham Aviation Services.
Kaye Jackson, the Trust’s Youth Liaison Officer for Dorset, said: “The group will take part in Level One of the Blue Skies Programme between February and July this year.
“They will enjoy a range of visits and activities linked to aviation, engineering and science but all designed to boost their confidence, enhance their presentational skills and inspire them to think about their futures.
“In Level Three in 2018, the pupils will also take part in a week-long work placement.”
The Blue Skies students are primarily from Year 9, but also include some from Year 8.
St Aldhelm’s Associate Principal Sian Thomas, said: “This will be a phenomenal experience for these young people and one which we hope will see their confidence and aspirations soar.”
