Tree classrooms reach height of creativity

CLASSROOMS CREATED  inside trees, solar powered  roofs and models built from Lego were some of the projects presented to industry  specialists from NG Bailey, Kier and the Engineering Development Trust, (EDT), as Priesthorpe High School in Pudsey, Leeds, celebrated the end of their 10-week Go4SET project.

Pupils at Priosthorpe School show off their work

Pupils took part in the eco-classroom project as part of a campaign led by the EDT to increase the number of pupils pursuing careers in science, engineering, technology and maths (STEM). The Go4SET project was set-up in Priesthorpe School by NG Bailey, who together with partner Kier mentored 180 pupils. Pupils were asked to research and design a more environmentally-friendly classroom, using their understanding of STEM subjects and then present back to a panel to win one of the prizes.

Cal Bailey, sustainability director at NG Bailey in Ilkley, said: “This was a great project to be part of and we were really inspired by some of the designs and ideas the pupils came up with.”

Ben Button, year eight leader, Priesthorpe School, said: “This has been an excellent project and we have been incredibly impressed with the pupils and their achievements.”

The Go4SET programme is an extension of the work that NG Bailey is doing with schools and with apprentices. NG Bailey made recommendations of a pilot scheme to the Government. NG Bailey’s programme has engaged with 1,000 young people.