The Stephen Longfellow Academy worked in partnership with two employers, Willmott Dixon (Construction) and First Bus (Transport) with the aim of promoting construction and transport careers to Year 9 students.
A secondary aim was to show how student subjects link to the world of work. We also wanted to challenge the notion that only males can work in construction and transport. Several bespoke activities were set up on a carousel for Year 9 students which linked the work of construction and transport to curriculum subjects.
The activities for the day included:
The Tetrahedron Challenge (Maths)
Lego Challenge (Art & Maths)
Circuit Challenge (Science)
Journey Planner (Geography, IT & Maths)
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. Students were also given labour market information about construction roles.
Journey Planner involved a practical activity of students planning their school journey via bus and making their own bus ticket using the ticket machines provided by First Bus. Students used both Geographical and maths skills during the session.
The top 5 students identified by Willmott Dixon and First Bus were given prizes.
Student feedback from the sessions showed:
Students said they enjoyed the Journey Planner and Snap Circuits the most, out of the four activities set on the day.
86% said the sessions had made them aware of how Art, Maths and Science skills are used in different construction roles.
86% said the lessons had improved their knowledge of the types of jobs available in the construction industry.
60% would consider a career in the construction industry.
40% would consider a career in the transport industry.
Comments from students included:
“It was good fun” Year 9 student
“I enjoyed it doing the circuits and making the bus tickets.” Year 9 student.
General feedback from school staff members was very positive. One area of improvement was suggested, combining 2 activities into a 40-minute slot to keep students more engaged throughout the whole session , rather than a single activity per session. This feedback will be considered for the following year workshop.
The Stephen Longfellow Academy would like to thank Willmott Dixon and First Bus for their support with schools the careers programme and linking students to the world of work.
Raj Gill (Director of Careers)