Drones for Schools Follow Up Since Launch
At the end of April 2019, Drone Safe Register launched its pioneering Drones for Schools educational programme. This free programme for key stage 2 children 7-11 years, is delivered by our professional DSR member pilots to schools in their local area.
The material is currently aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils (aged 7 to 11 years) although future developments will see this age range expanded. We also have plans to take the programme out of the classroom and bring it to child groups such as beavers, cubs, scouts, guides, brownies as well as other children’s charities and organisations.
It offers all the resources to deliver a fun and informative workshop covering
What a drone is
How it flies
How it is constructed
GPS technology
Drones and safety
The CAA Drone Code
Drones at work
Drones in the future
In addition, schools are offered the chance to enter an exclusive competition to design a drone safety poster with termly cash prizes to be won. The scheme is backed by both international technology retailer Jessops and DSR’s Dragons’ Den investor Peter Jones.
I look forward to playing my part in working alongside the DSR Pilots to bring awareness of this incredibly exciting technology to the forefront of the UK mind. The idea of working with the next generation of drone pilots in the school system is something that I am particularly passionate about, and I look forward to seeing our Drones for Schools programme develop over time to provide the opportunity for school children to learn and develop in this exciting area – Peter Jones CBE
So far, we have had over 71 schools where DSR drone pilots have engaged to talk about the programme and arrange a presentation.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive both from schools and from our members.
‘I carried out the presentation and the group had about 60 kids in it. Following the presentation, I am going back to do an aerial photo. All in all, for my first presentation of the DSR syllabus, it went well – this is great opportunity to get known in your local area, promote the fact that you are giving something back to the local community and at the same time hopefully gain future business’ – Jamie Newson-Smith (FlightSight)
‘Just finished our first Drones for Schools workshop and I can honestly say that it was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences I have ever had. The presentation was just long enough and complex enough to keep their engagement. We then connected the P4P controller to the big screen whilst I was outside flying and the kids got to see what the drone saw – even got a round of applause.’ – Sam Cook – Tremio Aerial Photography
