Drone Coding Workshop
Code flight paths and explore aerospace engineering through hands-on drone programming. Up to 30 students per session, with safety eyewear provided for everyone.
Curriculum Links
Curriculum Links
These are relevant curriculum areas. Exact links depend on the cohort, delivery jurisdiction and booked format.
Computing
Programming, algorithms, sequence and repetition
Physics
Forces, flight, aerodynamics
Geography
Mapping, surveying, real-world applications
Careers Framework
Gatsby Benchmark Alignment
This workshop can contribute to the following Gatsby Benchmarks within a school's wider careers programme.
Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
Highlights career pathways in aerospace, drone technology, and unmanned systems, fast-growing sectors with strong demand for skilled operators and engineers.
Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
Connects computing, physics, and mathematics curriculum to real-world applications in aerospace engineering and drone technology.
Encounters with Employers and Employees
Applies only when an employer or employee joins a two-way encounter with pupils and the activity includes reflection. Partner branding or a themed workshop alone does not qualify.
Benchmark 5 applies only where an employer or employee takes part in two-way interaction with pupils and the encounter includes reflection. Partner branding or a themed activity alone does not meet that benchmark.
The Gatsby Benchmarks are the national framework for good careers guidance and are referenced in statutory guidance for schools in England.
Learning Outcomes
What Students Will Achieve
- Program autonomous drone flight paths
- Understand the principles of flight and aerodynamics
- Apply coding concepts to physical computing
- Learn about real-world drone applications
- Follow safety protocols and regulations
- Work in teams to complete flight challenges
In the Classroom
Workshop in Action
Inclusivity & SENDSupporting Every Learner
Our instructors have extensive experience working across different school environments, including mainstream, SEND, SEMH, alternative provision, pupil referral units, and special schools. Every activity is scaffolded and differentiated so that all learners can access the content, experience success, and develop confidence. We use adaptive teaching strategies, manage cognitive load carefully, and provide visual supports and learning mats. Schools can share specific needs in advance so we can plan accordingly. Drone coding provides a highly engaging, visual form of programming where students see immediate physical results from their code. This is particularly motivating for students who find screen-based activities challenging. Activities are scaffolded with progressive challenge maps.
Group sizes: Up to 30 pupils per session and up to 150 pupils across the five-session Express format. A large indoor space with high ceilings is required.
Gifted & TalentedStretch and Challenge for High-Ability Learners
Workshop data identifies extension activities where they are available. Schools can share the cohort profile in advance so the instructor can discuss suitable challenge, grouping and adjustments for the booked format.
- Tiered challenges allow students to progress at their own pace, from guided tasks to independent problem-solving
- Higher-order thinking through debugging, optimisation, and creative design challenges
- Competition pathways: workshops build skills relevant to FIRST LEGO League, Raspberry Pi competitions, Cyber Discovery, and CREST Awards
- Career connections: students discover how workshop skills translate into real engineering, computing, and science careers
Schools can share information about gifted and talented cohorts in advance so our instructors can prepare targeted extension activities.
Session Structure
Typical Workshop Day
Based on the Standard Experience format: 3 sessions of 90 minutes each. Exact times and breaks are agreed with the school.
| Stage | Activity |
|---|---|
| Before Session 1 | Hyett Education arrives and sets up the specialist workshop equipment in the space prepared by the school |
| Session 1 (90 minutes) | Class group 1 (up to 30 pupils) |
| Between Sessions 1 and 2 | Changeover or break, as agreed with the school |
| Session 2 (90 minutes) | Class group 2 (up to 30 pupils) |
| Between Sessions 2 and 3 | Changeover or break, as agreed with the school |
| Session 3 (90 minutes) | Class group 3 (up to 30 pupils) |
| After Session 3 | Hyett Education packs down its workshop equipment; the school retains its normal site and pupil-supervision duties |
Workshop Formats
Choose Your Format
Choose the format that suits your school timetable. All formats include full setup and packdown by our team.
In-Depth Experience
2 hours per session
Deeper exploration with advanced drone technology
Standard Experience
90 minutes per session
Challenge maps and obstacle course hoops included
Taster Experience
60 minutes per session
Short introductions with challenge map routes
Express Experience
45 minutes per session
Maximum reach across the school
Note: Up to 30 pupils per session and up to 150 pupils across the five-session Express format. A large indoor space with high ceilings is required.
School Reviews
What Schools Say
It was a really great day, well organised and very professional. The students really enjoyed the drone programming session and Pete explain ed everything very well.
Thank you so much for visiting our school last week. The pupils really enjoyed themselves! The sessions were great fun and enjoyed by everyone. The staff were extremely friendly and very clear with their instructions and demonstrations. Lots of the children were asking to do it again, so we feel it was a great success!
A fantastic workshop, very engaging for all learners. Very clear and informative instructions to allow access for learners. Thoroughly enjoyed! A brilliant session.
Related Workshops
You Might Also Like
Early Engineers Express
A play-based EYFS and KS1 engineering workshop using LEGO Duplo trains. Children design, build, and test train tracks, bridges, and stations through hands-on construction challenges.
View workshopBeginner STEMbotics: Robotics & Coding
Inclusive robotics and coding workshop for KS1 and KS2 using LEGO Spike Essentials and LEGO WeDo 2.0. Children code with icon blocks or word blocks, and no reading ability is required.
View workshopIntermediate STEMbotics: Robotics & Coding
Intermediate robotics workshop for KS2 to KS3. Block-based programming with LEGO Spike Prime and EV3, advanced robot builds, sensors, and challenge mats.
View workshop