The Stephen Longfellow Academy worked in partnership with Willmott Dixon, a National Construction company, with the aim of promoting construction careers to Year 9 students. A secondary aim included showing students how their learning in specific subjects links to the real world. We also wanted to challenge the notion that only males can work in construction. Several bespoke activities were set up on a carousel for Year 9 students which linked the work of construction to curriculum subjects and was led by 2 female team leaders from Willmott Dixon and several other staff.
The activities for the day included:
The Tetrahedron Challenge (Maths)
Lego Challenge (Art & Maths)
Circuit Challenge (Science/Physics)
Careers Bingo (Labour Market Information)
The Tetrahedron Challenge required students to build a giant Tetrahedron, using only dowels and elastic bands. Wilmott Dixon staff spoke about the importance of shape, measurement, and costings in construction. The challenge involved estimation of the materials and then this was followed by the physical construction of the Tetrahedron. Throughout the challenge, various construction roles were discussed. Some of these included: Quantity Surveying, Engineering and why maths is essential in any career, especially construction.
The Lego Challenge linked with Art & Maths lessons. Students were required to design, cost, and build a bridge from Lego, which had to be strong enough to support a metal object.
The Circuit Challenge involved using electrical circuit boards and students were tasked with producing as many different completed circuits from the manual as they could in the set time frame. The Circuits included: alarm systems, working motors and lights. Willmott Dixon staff discussed the work of electrical engineers and the importance of science and physics in producing a working circuit.
Careers Bingo involved a presentation on a very wide range of Construction careers, staff explained a little bit of information around each of the roles and shared which careers are in demand and also average wages for each career. The presentation challenged stereotypes as showed a wide range of construction careers that females are involved in from Civil Engineering to Electricians. The activity also involved students undertaking a Bingo task which was all about construction careers.
The top 5 students identified by Willmott Dixon were given prizes from Willmott Dixon.
Student feedback from the sessions showed:
Students said they enjoyed the Tetrahedron Challenge and the Lego Challenge the most, out of the four activities set on the day.
83% said the sessions had made them aware of how Art, Maths and Science skills are used in different construction roles.
83% said the lessons had improved their knowledge of the types of jobs available in the construction industry.
66% would consider a career in the Construction industry.
50% of female students involved said they would now consider a career in Construction.
Only 1 student said they would not recommend the day to other students. Every Year 9 student in the academy on the day participated in all four activities.
Feedback from Willmott Dixon staff member:
“All those who attended with me said it was a very humbling experience, your support staff were fabulous and got involved in each activity and were hugely supportive in encouraging students to ask questions and spoke about their own professional experiences to support various opportunities after school.
All commented how accessible your school is, and how everyone is an individual and treated as such. The students were polite, very respectful to us as guests, and we always feel so welcome.”
Vickie Thornton
Social Value Manager – Yorkshire
Feedback from TSLA Teaching staff, who were involved in the sessions:
Session: Tetrahedron Challenge
“Fun and accessible tasks, students were really engaged.” Ms Foley
Session: Lego Challenge
“Highly informative and hands on enjoyable experience. Students were able to talk to our visitors about a range of different careers post 16, many of which, would probably never have been on the radar for most of our students. Overall, really successful.” Mr Sharp
Session: Snap Circuits
“The activity was good, Students enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout.” Mr Hiley
The Stephen Longfellow Academy will continue to work with Willmott Dixon to support their careers programme which will involve site visits, enterprise activities and work experience.
Raj Gill (Director of Careers)
