Capricornia School of Distance Education (CapSDE) is proud to celebrate Year 10 school-based student Penny, who has been awarded the 2025 Future Aerospace Award through the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program. Penny studies with CapSDE while attending her base school, Moura State High School.
Penny is one of the first students to enrol in CapSDE’s new Year 10 Engineering and Aerospace elective—a course designed to introduce students to the foundations of engineering, aviation, and aerospace systems. Throughout the year, she has demonstrated exceptional curiosity and dedication, engaging in 3D modelling, project design, prototype printing, and hands-on testing as she applied complex concepts to real-world tasks.
CapSDE is a proud partner in the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program, which provides enriched learning opportunities, industry connections, and pathways for students across regional and remote Queensland. As part of her award, Penny now receives direct access to the Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA), where she will have opportunities to connect with industry mentors, like-minded peers, and aerospace professionals as she transitions into her senior studies.
Principal Amanda Rynne praised Penny’s commitment, saying:
“Our aviation and aerospace programs are opening doors for our regional communities to access an innovative and rapidly expanding sector. Penny represents the strength and resilience of our rural learners. Through our partnerships with regional schools, she has been able to participate in industry-aligned activities, mini-schools, and excursions that build real pathways into future careers. We are thrilled that Penny has signed up for next year’s Engineering and Aerospace Systems subjects as we launch our expanded senior program.”
The Year 10 Engineering and Aerospace elective forms part of CapSDE’s broader STEM strategy, which includes new senior offerings in Aerospace Systems and Engineering, as well as the ongoing Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot). These programs ensure that students—regardless of distance—can access high-quality pathways into aviation, engineering, and emerging STEM industries.
Capricornia School of Distance Education congratulates Penny on her outstanding achievement and looks forward to supporting her continued success in engineering and aerospace studies.