Humberside Police Helicopter Visit
A helicopter landing in the middle of the school grounds is not normally part of everyday classes, but that is exactly what happened on Monday 22 March 2010.
The children of Hull Collegiate Prep School were treated to their own personal visit by a police helicopter. At 11.00 am, every child and teacher from the Prep School gathered excitedly on the side of one of the football pitches to wait for the arrival of the MD Explorer twin engine helicopter HotelOscar99 which was expertly flown in by Captain Jon Stanley accompanied by his crew members, PC Steve Barnes and PC John Basford.
A special assembly had been held just prior to the helicopter’s visit which was hosted by Humberside Police Air Operations Sergeant Sarah Whiting, assistant Sally Jeffery and PCST Chris Wray. Sergeant Whiting spent time with the children explaining detailed facts about the helicopter and the equipment it carries. She also explained how the helicopter assists the policy on a daily basis in capturing criminals and why Humberside Police are at the forefront of Air Support within the UK. The children had not been told in advance of the helicopter trip, so when Sergeant Whiting radioed the crew to ask if the helicopter could land, the children cheered with delight.
"The visit by the Humberside Police was organised as part of the Foundation and Early Years Curriculum Topic “People Who Help Us,” said Mr Mark Dyson who is a Reception Teacher at the Prep School.
“There is something indescribably special about the power of a helicopter," he continued, "and it is certainly a sensation like no other to experience the sight and sound of one landing so close to where you are standing. I defy anyone to be not excited by it, regardless of how old you are!”
The children were able to spend 45 minutes talking to the police and asking questions such as how helicopters work and how the pilots climb back in (there is a special ladder attached to the side of the helicopter).
“The helicopter was amazing as I’d never seen one so close,” said 11 year old Ella from Year 6.
Ella’s friend, Phoebe, aged 10, agreed. “The camera at the front of the helicopter is huge and the pilots explained that they can see the name on your badge at 1 mile high and your car number plate at 2 miles high.”
The visit had been planned since November 2009 and visits to the school in connection with the “People Who Help Us” topic include Humberside Police, Blue Watch, West Hull Fire Station, a doctor and an ambulance crew, plus Swanbridge Veterinary Practice.
