CHILDREN from Alloway Primary School were taken back in time when they learned about the history of air transport since the 1900s.

Leading air traffic services provider NATS has partnered with Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire to help bring aviation into the classroom for primary and secondary school children in South Ayrshire.

Launched in February, the NATS Academy project focuses on applying air traffic control to children’s learning in a fun, interactive way. Prestwick Academy pupils also received a geography lesson in map reading with a NATS twist.

Andrea Kirkhope, a manager at NATS’ air traffic control centre in Prestwick, who took part in the project, said: “We’ve always been active in the community, but we were especially keen to work with our local schools to help encourage the next generation to consider a career in aviation.”

Tony McCafferty, Business Liaison Officer for Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire, said: “By linking the skills they use in their jobs directly to the curriculum, the team are able to make it more relevant to the pupils.” 

NATS aim to work with local schools to deliver six-week blocks of lessons.