Students from across London showcased the results of their participation in a pioneering learning project yesterday, which brings engineering and construction to life using animation and film. ‘Transitions’ is a series of workshops which have been developed by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), BBC 21CC (21st Century Classroom) the London Transport Museum and Crossrail.
Over 60 young people – the majority of which are studying diploma courses in Engineering, and Construction and the Built Environment – participated in the workshops. The programme began with a visit to three Crossrail stations across the capital: Paddington, Tottenham Court Road and Canary Wharf, where the students were presented with real engineering challenges.
After the initial site visit, the students spent a day and a half at the London Transport Museum working with volunteer engineering ambassadors to solve problems such as how to build a new station in a congested area and what to do with excavated material.
The students then spent a day working with media professionals at BBC 21CC’s digital classroom in White City, learning how to combine film-making and animation to produce short films explaining engineering concepts aimed at younger children.
Today’s project finale saw them present their work to an audience of construction industry and media professionals, as well as to students and teachers from across London.
Miranda Housden, ICE London Director, said:
“The unique partnership behind ‘Transitions’ has enabled 14 and 15 year old engineering students to build on their communication and technical skills using digital technology that previously they were unlikely to have thought of using in their classroom.
“The results are truly inspiring. We look forward to developing the workshops further, bringing industry closer together with schools and supporting teachers as they demonstrate how exciting it is to be an engineer in London.”
Pat Vale, BBC 21CC Lead Industry facilitator, said:
“I was impressed to see how quickly the students embraced the new technology and took on new skills such as script writing and editing. They did an excellent job of targeting their programme to a young audience, bringing complex engineering processes such as tunnel boring and station design to life through their own words and pictures.”
John Bull, Assistant Director, London Transport Museum, said:
“London Transport Museum is thrilled to have been involved in Transitions. It is a pioneering project, drawing out the crucial relevance of transport to everyday life. We hope that the students that have taken part are inspired to become the engineers that keep our transport system moving in the years ahead.
Terry Morgan, Crossrail Chairman said:
"Crossrail is proud to be the inspiration for this ground-breaking project for the second year running. As well as building a new railway for London and the South East, Crossrail is committed to leaving a lasting skills and employment legacy. We are helping to achieve this through our engineering ambassadors who work to pass on their knowledge and passion for the industry to young people in imaginative and innovative ways.”
Graham Peters, a teacher from Cleeve Park School in Sidcup said:
“As a Specialist Engineering College, we were delighted to be invited to join the Transitions Project. The opportunity for students to connect with real engineering challenges and work with qualified engineers enhances school based learning and permits application of knowledge. A bonus for all participants!”
The following schools participated in the Transitions project:
- Bishop Douglass School, East Finchley
- Kingsford Community School, Newham
- Cleeve Park School, Sidcup
- Walworth Academy, Southwark
- Newham Consortium
Media contact:
Francesca King, Institution of Civil Engineers
t 020 7665 2360 e francesca.king@ice.org.uk
Notes for editors:
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is one of the pre-eminent engineering institutions in the world. Established as a learned society in 1818, it has over 75,000 members and provides a voice for civil engineering, continuing professional development and promoting best practice throughout the industry. Further details from www.ice.org.uk
BBC 21CC (21st Century Classroom) is the BBC's digital learning centre dedicated to exploring creative ways of using multimedia and new technology in teaching and learning. 21CC develops and runs multimedia workshops for young people aged 5-19 years from schools, colleges and community groups from across England. Further details from www.bbc.co.uk/21CC
London Transport Museum explores the heritage of London and its transport system, and the stories of the people who have travelled and worked in the city over the last 200 years. The Museum's collections include original artworks and posters that have been used to promote the city's transport over the last century, as well as outstanding examples of transport vehicles and objects that are evocative of times gone by. Further details from www.ltmuseum.co.uk
Crossrail is the new high frequency, convenient and accessible railway for London and the South East. When the service opens Crossrail trains will travel from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via new twin tunnels under central London. It will link Heathrow Airport, the West End, the City of London and Canary Wharf. Further details from www.crossrail.co.uk
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