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Foundation students visit the Queen Mary II

The Foundation Course students at Eastleigh College enjoyed a trip out with a difference this week, when they were invited on a tour of the luxurious Queen Mary 2 cruise liner.

The event was organised by the Future Engineers project, brainchild of Stephen Payne OBE, chief designer of the Queen Mary 2 and Brian Ansell, physics teacher, who have been inspired by a desire to raise the profile of engineering within schools.

Budding engineers from a number of local schools and colleges were invited on to the ship to hear a presentation about the trials and rewards of marine engineering, followed by a tour. Eastleigh College Foundation students, who have a range of learning difficulties and disabilities, were lucky enough to be invited along to enjoy the tour of the ship and gain their own positive experience.

Aside from the adventures of rigorous security checks, the tour took in the grand restaurant, which seats up to 1300 diners at any one time, a number of on board swimming pools, the vast theatre and the fully kitted out spa. Out on deck, students were lucky to have a sunny afternoon to enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding area and Southampton water. The distinctive red funnel and impressive spare propellers were also a highlight.

The students particularly enjoyed the beautiful carvings of African animals and famous landmarks that lined the grand corridors of the ship. The excited chatter on the journey back to College in the mini bus confirmed that a fantastic time was had by all, and the trip had been a real success.

Release date 26/10/2009