Warwickshire News Mine

Pupils from Bilton School, Avon Valley, Rugby School and Rugby High, all discovered the work that goes into creating the £37m Rugby Western Relief Road, while also tackling their own engineering challenge.

The Inter Schools Challenge took place at The Benn Hall Rugby, where the eight teams of Year 10 students competed to build the best bridge, taking into account everything from initial planning, through to costings, and of course whether the bridge would take the strain.

Partners in the £37m Rugby Western Relief Road development Warwickshire County Council and Carillion plc collaborated with Warwickshire Education Business Partnership to devise the challenge and organise the day.

The aim was for Geography and Design and Technology students to gain an insight into the work that goes into a development contract of this size.

The teams of students competed in an engineering challenge to build the strongest, safest and most cost effective bridge.

Throughout the challenge the students had help and advice from civil engineers and graduates from Carillion plc and Warwickshire County Council.

And there were some varied results:
The Overall Winner was the Rugby School team of Alex Roden, Becky Denton, Sam Livingstone and Charlotte Hogarth.
However, the team to win the best Teamwork accolade was the Bilton School team of Jack Schofield-Newton, Josh Neal Bate, Bethany Brogden and Joe Conaboy. While the Best Bridge prize went to Rugby High pupils Sophie Meeson, Zaimah Hossein, Erin Considine and Abby Cotton.

Following the challenge the students travelled to have a look at the major construction project for themselves, visiting the Western Relief Road development.

Cllr Chris Saint, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “This day provides an ideal opportunity for several schools to compete in fun and friendly surroundings, while learning about a real project in their very own community.”

The winning teams received prizes donated by Carillion plc.

Warwickshire Education Business Partnership works as part of Warwickshire County Council to try and ensure youngsters are more prepared for the world of work.

If you or your company would like to become involved with the work of the Warwickshire Education Business Partnership who prepare young people for working life please contact Angie Maffey on 01926 413255 or email angiemaffey@warwickshire.gov.uk

Link to WCC