Our Year 12 Computer Science students recently visited the RAF Museum in North London for a day exploring how computer science is shaping the past, present and future of aviation and defence.

One of the highlights was taking part in a structured debate on the use of drones and artificial intelligence in modern warfare. Students considered both the opportunities and the challenges that drones and AI present, discussing who should be held responsible when autonomous systems make decisions and exploring the ethical consequences of using this technology in conflict. It was fantastic to see students confidently sharing their ideas, challenging one another’s viewpoints and linking their discussions to topics studied in Computer Science.

The visit also gave students the opportunity to explore the museum’s impressive hangars, following the story of flight from the earliest aircraft through to modern military technology. Along the way, they discovered how developments in Computing have become central to aviation, from radar and communications systems to cybersecurity, AI, autonomous drones, navigation systems and data analysis.

The trip reinforced that Computer Science is about much more than programming. It is a subject that underpins innovation across engineering, defence, aerospace, robotics and cyber security. Seeing these technologies in a real-world setting helped students appreciate the broad range of careers available and the impact that Computing continues to have on solving some of society’s most complex challenges.

It was an engaging and thought-provoking day, giving students the opportunity to experience first-hand how the concepts they study in the classroom are applied in the wider world.
Yr12 Computer Science Trip