Hillhead Primary School pupils work with Ayrshire College
School pupils from Hillhead Primary created a special wind chime to commemorate the King’s coronation, using aluminium alloy donated by Ayrshire College.
The P2 pupils decorated the metal with acrylic paints, using their fingerprints to make the Union Jack. The pupils were also asked to bring in a piece of metal to attach to the base.
Tom McKie, an Ayrshire College lecturer from the Aeronautical department, spoke to the children about how their piece of aluminium alloy is used to make up parts of the structure of modern day aircraft.
A plaque that sits alongside the wind chime in the Hillhead Primary School garden reads:
“The materials used to construct the frame and tubular parts of this wind chime were kindly donated to Hillhead Primary School by the Aeronautical department of Ayrshire College.
“This top of the chime is made from a piece of aluminium alloy (2024-T3) which is strong and has a high resistance to corrosion. It is used to make up parts of the structure of modern day aircraft, including the BAe 146 which Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family made use of on a regular basis during her reign.
“King Charles III also trained on fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in the 1970s that were constructed using this grade of aluminium alloy. His sons, the Prince of Wales and Harry, have also piloted aircraft that have had parts manufactured using aluminium alloy 2024-T3.”
P6 and P7 pupils at the school were also treated to a visit by another Ayrshire College lecturer, Craig Barrie, who teaches carpentry and joinery.
Craig brought along tools and examples of work from students in his department to show the class, quizzing them on the names and uses of the tools of his trade.
The pupils loved the session and gained a greater insight into carpentry and joinery careers.
Craig Barrie, Ayrshire College lecturer, said: “It was a pleasure for me to be invited into the school on Tuesday afternoon. The children were all well behaved and listened to my presentation and took part in a few activities. I spoke with Mrs Kerr (Acting Deputy Head) and we will visit the school next term and set up a few activities with various classes.”
17 May 2023
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