Primary School introduction to Engineering

We held a special introduction to engineering event for primary schools this Wednesday, where we welcomed around 60 pupils from St. Andrew’s Primary School and Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School. The session began with a short talk from Claire Lewis, our Head of Maths and previously Head of Engineering, who introduced pupils in Years 5 and 6 to the world of engineering and explained how it connects to the science and maths they study in school.

The hands-on highlight of the morning was a workshop delivered by Science Oxford, where pupils worked in pairs to design and build bridges using K’nex. Tasked with constructing a bridge strong enough to cross a river, the pupils explored ideas around forces, a key part of the Year 5 and 6 curriculum. With plenty of time to experiment, they were encouraged to think creatively, test different designs, and problem-solve together. Science Oxford staff provided helpful prompts and suggestions, while still allowing pupils the freedom to develop their own unique structures.

It was particularly special to welcome both schools back to Big School, having previously visited for the Primary Maths Challenge last term, and to see them growing more confident at MCS.

Thanks to all the staff involved for organising such an engaging engineering event for the visiting primary schools.