Students at Lees Brook Community Sports College have been learning the practical skills needed to design their new school – thanks to help from industry professionals.
The pupils of Lees Brook Community Sports College in Derbyshire are getting a brand new school in 2011. As well as contributing their own views on what it should look like, staff gave a group of students the exciting opportunity to shape their school, thanks to an innovative project.
Working with ConstructionSkills, a Sector Skills Council, the school enlisted the help of a number of professional ambassadors such as an architect, chartered engineer, transport engineer and surveyor. They were able to bring their advice and experience to the project, while also demonstrating the range of highly skilled careers available in the construction industry.
The 20 students, aged 11 to 16, were encouraged to consider all aspects of the building project including designs, materials, use of outdoor spaces and sustainability issues.
In June 2008 the students, who showed their enthusiasm for the scheme by working out of school hours, will put on an exhibition of their work. The help of industry ambassadors has been invaluable, giving the project a professional focus and inspiring the students to think about future careers.