Aspiring engineers at Maiden Erlegh School are building a miniature helicopter as part of a scheme to encourage interest in science and technology.
Around 20 pupils in Year Eight at the Silverdale Road, Earley, school are involved in constructing the German-designed Mikrokopter and are expected to complete the project next year.
The project was funded with the support of a £17,000 grant through education consortium Stemnet to help stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Pupils have been involved in flying remote control models to understand the principles of flight, learnt to fly using a simulator and will be visiting a freefall chamber later this year.
Design and technology teacher Andrew Wilkinson said: “The pupils are excited to be working as a team on a project that is outside their normal curriculum and expectations.
“There is a strong sense of purpose and enthusiasm for learning new skills, they have embraced all the activities to date, understanding, designing, making and testing is at the heart of our activities.
“I am delighted with the pupils’ commitment and endeavour.”