The Vickers Vimy Story
The Vickers Vimy Story
The History Trust of South Australia were able to collaborate with the Adelaide Airport, the South Australian Government and the Australian Government together to promote school learning opportunities that encourage you to engage with and be inspired by the Vickers Vimy aircraft, its epic story and that of the four remarkable men who flew it.
About the educational offerings:
There are educational activities designed for students in Foundations right up to Year 9, ranging from History to English, Science to Mathematics. Take a look at the offerings below and be sure to plan your visit to see the Vickers Vimy in person.
About the exhibition:
Adelaide Airport’s Vickers Vimy Exhibition commemorates the first official flight from England to Australia – the Air Race of 1919 with Adelaide brothers Ross and Keith Smith. The restored Vickers Vimy converted bomber (Registration G-EAOU) flown by the famous aviators is housed inside the terminal for public display. The epic long-distance flight was made just 16 years after the Wright Brothers flew the first-ever powered aircraft. The Vimy crew set out from Hounslow, London on November 12, 1919, and reached Darwin 28 days later to claim the £10,000 Commonwealth Government prize as the first Australians to fly from England to Australia in less than 30 days. The Smith Brothers were knighted by His Majesty, George V, on December 22, 1919. Sir Ross was born at Semaphore and Sir Keith in North Adelaide. Flying with the Smith Brothers on their epic journey were mechanics Sergeant J. M. Bennett of St Kilda, Victoria, and Sergeant Wally Shiers of Stepney, SA. Both mechanics received bars to their Air Force medals and were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
Find out more:
Vickers Vimy – First Flight Across the World
Australia's Great Race
Teacher's Guide
A guide to help teachers and students explore the Vickers Vimy exhibition at Adelaide Airport. Includes practical information about the site, activities and information.
Propeller Pinwheels - Early Years Activity
Vickers Vimy planes were made up of several parts including wings, body and propellers. Discuss the planes (using the diagram) and ask students to share ideas about how they moved through the air.
Years F-3
Plotting the Path - Primary/Middle School Activity
Put your geographical knowledge and mapping skills to the test and plot out the route that the Vickers Vimy travelled in its epic 27 days and 20 hour flight.
Years 3-7
Details & Diagrams - Primary/Middle School Activity
Take a deep dive into the world of the Vickers Vimy. Contrast the planes of yesterday and today, research about materials and structural design of the Vimy then complete a labelled diagram of the aircraft.
Years 3-7
Engineering Paper - Primary/Middle School Activity
Learn about the historical significance of the Smith brother’s flight and the engineering process to the scientific principles of flight then apply your knowledge of the forces of flight and the engineering process.
Years 4-8
Reading Comprehension - Upper Primary/High School Activity
Read to understand the story of Australia’s Great Air Race then locate, and deduce the answers to a series of questions. Extend your learning to answer the long answer reflection prompts. Turn your understanding into a creative response, design a movie poster that reflects the heart of Australia’s Great Air Race.
Years 5-9
Professional Profile - Upper Primary/High School Activity
Learn about the story of the Vickers Vimy (G-EAOU) and the four men who undertook the flight. Then demonstrate your learning by synthesising information to create a cover letter and C.V. using research.
Years 5-9