During Term 2, Year 7 have been studying “ Forces and Flight” in Science. On Monday the 27thMay we visited the new hanger for the New Zealand Flying Doctors and Westpac Rescue service, an opportunity that served to extend the concepts our girls had been studying.

We were fortunate enough to have the full complement of staff come to speak to us. This included a helicopter pilot, winch operator, Flying Doctor and paramedic. Following the presentations, the students were able to ask pertinent questions about their training and the challenges their work involves.

The highlight of this trip was undoubtedly the generous opportunities given by the staff that allowed our girls to explore both the helicopters and the rescue plane. This provided them with first - hand experience of the work place these people use on a daily basis. Equipment used for both ocean and night-time rescue fascinated the girls, many of whom had never seen night vision goggles before.

Thank you to Dr Katherine Townend who arranged this trip. We had a wonderful experience. It was great to see all the different jobs people do to keep our New Zealand Flying Doctors in the air.