PULLING off air show-like manoeuvers, the chance to fly an F18 Super Hornet was about far more than skill for these girls.
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The Air Force simulator experience brought studies to life in science, technology, mathematics and engineering. But it was also a g-force confidence boost for Loreto College participants, proving they could fly high and for most – despite not having their drivers’ licences – land and park the fighter aircraft safely.
Air Force Flight Lieutenant Daniel Fisher said the experience was a bit different and could be a little nerve-wracking for students but it was always great to see their faces after taking flight.
“We find with flying, one of the biggest lessons is in confidence,” Flight Lieutenant Fisher said.
“It may be a little unusual when they first go into the experience, but you see the complete change afterwards, how much the girls loved it. The experience is about teamwork, having fun and we find it’s really useful to contextualise what the girls are learning in the classroom.”
A Victorian study released earlier this month showed girls at single-sex schools were almost twice as likely to study VCE chemistry and specialist maths than girls in co-educational schools. A greater proportion of girls in single-sex schools were studying maths methods and physics than their peers in co-ed schools, according to the Monash University findings.
Research also revealed just how few girls are enrolling in some STEM subjects. In physics, 7.5 per cent of all girls in single-sex schools and 5.1 per cent of girls in co-ed schools took up the subject. This compares with 24.7 per cent of boys in co-ed schools and 22.4 per cent of boys in single-sex schools.
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Loreto science faculty leader Natalie Howard said the college was committed to promoting STEM subjects and career pathways to students. The Air Force flight simulator was a great taste of what the aviation industry, including the Royal Australian Air Force, could offer.
Students were rotated through two full cockpits in an F18 Super Hornet, guided by a coach, after a full briefing. The simulator also had a chance for girls to work the radar and feed information about “bad guys” into pilots.
Air traffic control, life support gear and virtual reality stations were also available for students to explore.
The Air Force flight simulator travels schools to promote STEM and aviation studies. The simulator can also be found at major events like Avalon Air Show and Formula One Australian Grand Prix.