Pupils at a Tooting school took part in a special workshop about the science of flight and what it takes to be in the Royal Air Force.

Boys from Ernest Bevin College, in Beechcroft Road, were able to use a range of equipment and got a unique perspective into what skills they need.

Youcef Dafallah, 12, said: “I really enjoyed having a go wearing the virtual reality headset.

“It simulated a rollercoaster over Dubai and was much more realistic than the VR I have tried before. It was a really good experience and got me thinking about how technology can be used to train pilots.”

Squadron leader Cyrus Pocha talked about the range of careers and different entry points available for both boys and girls.

He said the RAF recruits young people at 16 after they have sat their GCSEs, providing them with training to get started.

Rushana Sheikh, principal of Ernest Bevin College, said: “We are really pleased to offer opportunities such as this RAF STEM workshop to so many of our pupils and think it is really important to encourage them to look at career opportunities available from an early age.

“The college was awarded STEM Assured Status in 2016 in recognition of our excellence in STEM subject areas and our commitment to forging ever stronger links with universities and employers such as the RAF.”

The children from Years 7, 8 and 9 took part in the initiative as the RAF’s encouragement team visited on October 30.

Their aim is to encourage young people to consider careers in the force and follow STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – subjects.