Hands-on, experiential learning through exposure to aviation STEM in and out of the classroom
We believe in empowering young New Zealanders through regular engagement and positive role modelling to ignite their passion in STEM. We connect people with like-minded influencers to interest, inform and equip them to foster their curiosity, grow their expertise and become our future.
WHAT'S ON NEXT?
Bring Aviation STEM into the Classroom with the Air Force
During lockdown, we want to continue to deliver our diversity and inclusion programme, and our team have have imagined a whole new way of reaching our communities. We are focusing on online content and learning, mixed with fun and easy experiments and as always, access to real life Air Force role models.
We are currently offering the following programme to schools and teachers:
- Access to exclusive online content and lesson plans.
- Coaching with Air Force experts on delivery.
- Links to virtual tours of jobs in the Air Force.
- Q&A virtual session with serving Air Force personnel.
- Fun, hands-on aviation based experiments and resources.
We are looking for teachers and/or schools who would love to join forces with us to get students excited about STEM, thinking about the future and engaged in new and exciting learning opportunities. Our content has mainly been developed for Years 5-8, but we are open to discuss how we can tailor it so your class can get the best experience.
Currently available from 28th September - 26th November
If you would like to know more, please visit our community page or email us direct at ontheroad@nzdf.mil.nz
SCHOOL TO SKIES CAMPS
Our camps are a unique opportunity to experience what a career in a technical or aviation field would be like. The programme is mostly hands-on and supported by serving Air Force personnel.
What you’ll get out of the programme:
+ Learn the basics of flight and how aircraft work.
+ Get hands-on experience fixing real aircraft and creating components.
+ Grow confidence in your choice of mathematics and science subjects at school and learn how to apply this knowledge in a real and exciting career pathway.
+ Plan a flight mission.
+ Develop your leadership and resilience skills during our specialist workshops.
+ Mix and mingle with other like-minded individuals from around New Zealand as well as our fantastic service personnel who were once just like you, looking to make a decision about their future.
+ Ask questions, hear stories and make like-minded friends and see if an aviation or technical career in an RNZAF aviation or technical role is for you.
Are you an NZ Educator? Check out our Camps page through the link below for more info on a dedicated Teachers edition camp to bring aviation STEM to life in your classrooms.
Register your interest below to be the first to know about upcoming camps and when applications open.
FRIENDS OF SCHOOL TO SKIES
Meet some of our amazing partners who make all this possible
NANOGIRL
CORE-EDUCATION
STEMFest TAURANGA
PAINGA PROJECT
AIR FORCE MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND
MOTAT
INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTRE
WHAT'S THE LATEST
One-day School to Skies Taster - Christchurch
12 AUG 21
The wonderful team at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand hosted a one-day School to Skies taster for some of our young local Christchurch wahine.
The girls were put through their paces, with a highly engaging and detailed lesson on the principals of flight with the museums Executive Officer SQNLDR Kate Bint. They then planned a Search and Rescue mission led by our very own FLTLT Emma Raven and then got their hands dirty with some hands-on technical experience on some of the museums historic aircraft, including a classic RNZAF CT-4. Normally spread over a week long camp, the day packed a lot in but it’s safe to say it was a huge success. Special mention to the museums educator; Chris Davey and SGT Phil Boyce for joining forces with our team to make the day a memorable and life-changing experience.
BEACH HAVEN SCOUTS visit RNZAF Base Whenuapai.
Check out Beach Haven scouts who joined us for a day after earning their Aviation recognition after months of hard work. These guys know a thing or two about aircraft! Well done. We’re told they are one of the only New Zealand land Scouts to have both Naval and Aviation recognition. A testament to the enthusiasm of the scouts and some passionate leaders.
About
School to Skies is a Royal New Zealand Air Force initiative, originally developed in 2017, to address the low numbers of women in the male-dominated military workforce. Since then, it has grown into a broader diversity and inclusion programme. We deliver aviation science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) content across New Zealand - in schools, community programmes and targeted camps for women, under-represented ethnic groups and teachers. Our point of difference is our use of hands-on experiential learning and mentoring from serving personnel and influential industry leaders.
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