An Apache helicopter paid a flying visit when a sixth form college held a festival day to inspire students.
Mildenhall College Academy sixth form (MCA6) based at Sheldrick Way, Mildenhall, planned a day of fun, enrichment and inspiration for the year 11 and sixth form students which included the aircraft landing on the school grounds.
Director of sixth form, Katie Sanders-Pope, said: 'The MCA6 festival was designed to be an inspirational day to raise the aspirations of Year 11 students as well as giving both sixth form and year 11 students the opportunity to taste activities beyond the everyday curriculum.'
The Apache Helicopter, designed to hunt and destroy tanks, arrived with pilots Staff Sgt Stu Southall and Sgt Stu Mackie from Three Regiment Army Air Corps, 663 Sqn were marshalled in to land their Apache on the MCA6 playing field by Year 12 student, Luca Chadwick. The students were then able to view the aircraft and talk with the pilots about opportunities in the army.
Luca Chadwick said: 'It was a surprise to be asked to marshal the helicopter and it was probably the best thing I have ever done'.
Before the helicopter arrived Year 11 students were welcomed to the Sixth Form centre with a talk from Ayo Awotona, a FixUp presenter, who challenged everyone to listen to what is being said, remember their 'why' and appreciate that whilst revision is temporary, results are forever.
The rest of the morning was spent taking part in various workshops focused around living healthy and developing skills for the future.
Suffolk Wellbeing delivered a session on reducing anxiety and improving mental health alongside a yoga session and crafting for relaxation. Other workshops included students learning some street dance, getting some exercise in a fitness boot camp, exploring student life with the University of Suffolk and being taught some first aid skills from Mini First Aid.
Topping off the festival was a music stage that Year 11 and Sixth Form students worked together to produce.
MCA6 Head Boy, Fin Boyle, said: 'The MCA6 Festival was a great chance for all the students to have some fun and it also was an opportunity to fundraise for our midsummer ball.'
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