ACP Brings Aerospace Technology and Careers to Queen Anne’s Caversham
The Schools’ Aerospace Careers Programme continued its 2026 Roadshow with a visit to Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, on 10 March 2026, where approximately 75 students from Years 10 and 11 took part in a full day exploring aerospace, emerging technologies and future career pathways. Students from Holme Grange School also joined the event, creating a shared learning environment between the two schools.
This marked the first time ACP had visited Queen Anne’s, with the programme delivered by Chris Marshall, Mike Stokes and Ogi Damjanovic. The day followed the familiar Roadshow format of morning presentations followed by afternoon breakout sessions, although the audience composition gave the event its own character. With a largely female group of students attending, discussions frequently touched on the wide range of opportunities available across aerospace and related high-technology industries.
The morning sessions introduced students to the changing technological landscape shaping aviation and engineering. Chris Marshall explored how modern aerospace systems are evolving through automation, advanced simulation and increasingly complex digital infrastructure. Ogi Damjanovic followed with a presentation on immersive design tools, demonstrating how virtual reality is used not only creatively but also in real-world engineering workflows and rapid prototyping environments. Mike Stokes then outlined pathways into aviation, explaining the structure of pilot training while also highlighting the broader network of careers that contribute directly to aircraft operations.
In the afternoon, students moved into smaller breakout rotations where they could experience several of the technologies discussed earlier in the day. The ACP Flight Simulator, operated by Mike Stokes, proved particularly popular, with students keen to test their coordination and decision-making as they attempted basic aircraft handling. Alongside this, the VR Flight Experience offered insight into cockpit procedures and the environment pilots operate within.
Elsewhere in the breakout sessions, the FPV drone simulators introduced students to the fundamentals of flight control, while Ogi Damjanovic guided students through the VR design station, where they created and explored their own virtual environments. The ACP’s quadruped robot, Spot, once again generated considerable interest, providing a tangible example of robotics and artificial intelligence working together in a practical engineering context.
Throughout the day, engagement remained consistently strong, with students asking thoughtful questions about both technical and operational roles within aerospace. The combination of hands-on technology and career insight created a dynamic and interactive atmosphere across all sessions.
The ACP would like to thank Kelly O’Dell, Head of Careers at Queen Anne’s School, for coordinating the visit and welcoming the programme to Caversham for the first time.
“The ACP Roadshow provided an excellent opportunity for our students to learn more about careers of the future in a fun and interactive way. Chris, Ogi and Mike were excellent presenters.”
— Kelly O’Dell, Head of Careers, Queen Anne’s School
Supporting companies for this event: Airborne Platforms UK and DevelopMyWeb
