With their plane assembled at last, the children's challenges had only just begun. How does one turn a tired old jet fuselage into a state-of-the-art learning space? Working with a team of designers, using maths and teamwork, the children set about planning a functional classroom design for the plane's interior. The project was embedded in the development of a new, creative curriculum, and the young people were the key decision makers throughout the process.

Supported by adults, the children began by making a floor plan inside school, using scale models and construction blocks to draft the design for the winged classroom. This in itself was an event, with lots of discussion, debate, and physically shifting around chairs and tables. The children used their critical thinking and problem solving skills to overcome access, safety, and lighting issues. The final creative design solution enabled a class-size group to work in the space safely, even accommodating nursery age children, and all types of learners.

The schoolchildren even ran a competition to name their freshly refurbished plane-classroom, with the winning entry being "Phoenix". But it wouldn't have been reborn from its own wreckage without their help and enthusiasm!

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