International Women’s Day 2024 – Out of This World Talk at Windsor School

A primary school in Windsor received a visit from a key figure in the UK space industry yesterday (March 8) for an event which celebrated International Women’s Day and British Science Week.

More than 60 pupils at St John’s Beaumont Preparatory School listened in on a talk Adelle Roberts, head of the space licencing and monitory at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The children learnt about aviation, space and Adelle’s career in the industry with replica rockets and satellites on hand to take them on a temporary journey into outer orbit.

Adelle said: “The future of aviation and aerospace relies on our generation inspiring the next generation.

“STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects are the building blocks that help young people into the jobs of tomorrow and will support future career choices within aviation and aerospace.

“My advice to those wanting to take their first step is get involved. From work experience, mentorships, to aviation and aerospace youth groups – such as Scouts, Cadets, and gliding.”

There are several spaceports operating the UK including in the Shetland Islands and Cornwall – the latter was the base for Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic missions.

St John’s Beaumont Preparatory School head of admissions and marketing at Grace McLean said:

 “Adelle’s talk about aviation and space has really engaged and delighted our pre-prep children – you could really see a spark in their imaginations.

 “It has been a fantastic opportunity to have Adelle here from the UK Civil Aviation Authority on International Women’s Day, particularly as at St John’s Beaumont we have our own generation of pioneering young women right here in Pre-Prep – ready to take flight.” 

Career entry routes into the space sector can come through many different routes: technical routes through studying at university, apprenticeships, graduate programmes and military routes.