As part of New Abbey Primary School’s World of Work Week event, representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Property and Architectural Services and Engineering Design visited the school to talk to pupils about the work that they do.
Lyndsay Cannon, Graduate Architectural Trainee (Architects Team) and Lauryn Steel, Principal Technician (Structures Team) explained to pupils what the role of an architect and a civil engineer involves and how the two work together as part of a design team.
The presentation showed examples of sketches, drawings and 3D models from a project that Lyndsay and Lauryn both worked on and gave the pupils an insight into how architects and engineers work together.
Pupils were then challenged to work in teams to design a school using the new knowledge they had gained and encouraged to think about the different steps that are needed to deliver a project.
Each team was then given the opportunity to present their design to their classmates.
The pupils showed great enthusiasm for the challenge and every team produced a unique and well-thought out design.
Chair of the Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Archie Dryburgh said: “What better way for our children to learn than from the experts themselves. These lessons bring the pupils in touch with the real world of work and gives them the opportunity to engage with professionals who can inform and influence our young people’s futures.”
Chair of CYPLL Committee, Jeff Leaver went on to say: “Understanding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) skills are vital lessons for our children, from any age. Pupils are encouraged to think about key skills needed in today’s workplace: problem solving, analytical thinking, and the ability to work independently.”
