FOUR students from Route 39 Academy have been awarded a prize for winning the open category of the ‘Aerospace Challenge’ in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Fair South West.

Holly David, Paris Stocks, Francesca Buckingham and Finn Home designed a model plane that flew for the longest duration during the competition held in July.

They have been awarded a flight around the coast of Cornwall with the Isles of Scilly Airbus Company.

Dr Mark Nason, director for science and the environment, came to the academy with some of his colleagues to award the prize, and was given a guided tour.

He said: “It was a friendly, purposeful and busy environment.

“The students are enthusiastic and obviously love their school.”

Dr Nason gave a talk to students about STEM careers and opportunities, both in the South West and internationally.

He added: “One third of STEM businesses cannot find the right employees, they need people with technical and analytic skills who can solve complex problems.”

Laura James, a member of staff at the academy who will be joining the winning students on their flight, said: “This particular team of students really nailed it on the day — they showed great teamwork, collaboration and creativity; these are many of the skills we actively develop at Route 39 Academy.”