Eddie the Eagle soars into Highnam Academy

Today, Key Stage Two pupils were treated to a special assembly with a guest appearance from Eddie the Eagle Edwards. Three children had created projects all about him during the recent 'This is Gloucestershire' homework challenge. Mr Dean had arranged for Eddie the Eagle to make a flying visit to talk about representing his country at the Olympics in 1988.

After watching a clip of Eddie the Eagle in action on the big screen we then listened to him explain how he took up skiing and how he got into downhill skiing. We were able to see the special gear he had to wear as well. He told us that he has completed over 800 ski jumps and that he is travelling about 70 mph when he takes off.

After 15 minutes of questions from the children, those who created their projects about  Eddie the Eagle - Matthew, Sam and Tilly were introduced and had their photographs taken with him. At the end of the assembly he told us that there is going to be a film about his life next year which we are all looking forward to seeing.

"I never thought I'd ever meet Eddie the Eagle when I was writing my project. It was great and I even got his autograph," commented Tilly.

"It was amazing to meet Eddie, I even got to try his helmet on," said Sam.

Sam's Project - Eddie the Eagle on the downhill slope at Calgary in 1988