On Tuesday 12th June, forty hand-made flying devices were launched into the air by the College Pre-Prep pupils as part of a special day to raise money for the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance appeal. The Year 2 children have been studying 'Flight' as one of their Science topics this term and when they and their teachers heard of the need for funds to establish an ambulance in Hertfordshire, they wanted to do something to help. 

The six and seven year olds taking part in the project had also enjoyed a recent visit to the Essex Air Ambulance base. They were able to look at the helicopter at close quarters, and talk to the crew and staff of the Air Ambulance team. “It was brilliant! We even got to see a helicopter coming back from a mission,” said seven year old Jamie Paul. “We decided to hold a flying competition combined with a ‘no-uniform' day for everyone in the Pre-Prep,” explained class teacher, Mrs Jane Perkins.

The children designed and made their own flying devices out of an assortment of materials with the aim of flying them more than 5 metres. Many succeeded and Jemima Sharman and Natasha Cooper were declared the overall winners after their simple but very effective, circular designs flew the furthest distance.

“We all feel it is important to have an air ambulance service available in Hertfordshire and our special “flight” day, which raised £500, marks the launch of an ongoing programme of support from the College Pre-Prep,” said Mrs Perkins.