Pupils got to experience the world of flying, aerospace and engineering at an exciting event.

Youngsters from De Vere Primary School, in Castle Hedingham, took part in the day-long Cool Aeronautics workshop at Stansted Airport organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society.

First launched in 2007, Cool Aeronautics is the Royal Aeronautical Society’s primary school outreach programme that aims to showcase aerospace and aviation to 7 and 11 year-old children and their teachers and parents to encourage from an early age an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

The children took part in interactive workshops and listened to talks given by aerospace and aviation professionals, including a pilot and an airport engineer.

All children go home from the event with a special goody bag containing aviation inspired contents.

Thomas Blowers, careers and outreach officer at the Royal Aeronautical Society, said: “A love of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) often begins at primary-school age but schools do not always have the resources to get their pupils excited about the possibilities of these subjects.

“Through Cool Aeronautics we aim to open up to children the wonderful world of STEM, as well as the incredible opportunities available in aviation and aerospace, in an interactive, entertaining and, most importantly, fun way.”

Joanne Davies, Stansted Airport’s education coordinator, added: “We are delighted to welcome the Royal Aeronautical Society and their Cool Aeronautics event to our new and exciting Aerozone.

“As a growing airport, Stansted will have an increasing need for engineers in the future and events like Cool Aeronautics play an important role in inspiring young people at an early stage to study STEM subjects and take an interest in aviation.

“We’re looking forward to working together on further projects to ensure as many schools and students as possible benefit from our initiative.”