HIGH-flying pupils are taking to the skies thanks to a brand new subject.

Twenty pupils enrolled on the aviation studies course at Brighouse High School and were given the chance to pilot a light aircraft.

The youngsters can go on to earn their pilot's licence through the scheme.

Maths teacher Mr Adam Chowdhury, who has been flying since he was 14, started taking pupils to Sherburn Airfield near Leeds over the six-week summer break.

Class-based theory work will now complement those flights.

Mr Chowdhury is running the classes with his wife Wendy, who also teaches maths at Brighouse High.

Pupils were able to fly in a four-seater standard light aircraft and a two-seater aerobatics plane.

Mr Chowdhury stressed the academic rigours of flying.

"It incorporates seven different subjects.

"The kids study weather patterns, the principles of flight, navigation, maths, physics and geography.

"But we do inject the practical element!"

Up to 20 pupils aged 11 to 17 now attend the weekly theory sessions.

He added: "We take care it's an educational experience. I'm not just taking them out for joyrides. There has to be a direct link between what they are doing in school and what they are doing in the air."

At the airfield, the pupils check the aircraft, go through navigation exercises, plot a route and learn how to use the plane's on-board computers.

The school, which was awarded Business and Enterprise status this year, helped fund the flying trips.

Pupils themselves had to pay £40 for the experience.

Through the business and enterprise scheme, Mr Chowdhury also hopes the school may one day buy a share in a plane and is seeking sponsorship to help with the course.

He also wants to set up pilot training evening courses for the public.