S3 Technology Trip

Our S3 Engineering Science pupils spent the day at the Forth Bridges Education Centre last week to meet with bridge and structural engineers.

Making their way to South Queensferry, 29 pupils had the opportunity to learn more about careers in structural engineering, bridges around the world, and the Forth Bridges.

Elaine Barry, Education Programme Manager with BEAR Scotland, delivered a seminar on the history of the Forth Bridges, the construction of the Queensferry Crossing and bridge engineering principles. It was an interesting and engaging listen for our pupils, inspiring them for future careers in engineering.

The trip also involved an engineering challenge activity whereby pupils were split into four teams to compete to plan, design, risk assess and build a bridge to span large distances. Adopting roles including Project Manager, Safety Manager, Quantity Surveyor and Project Reporter, pupils were able to use and develop skills in teamwork, leadership, problem solving and communication. The activity had pupils thinking creatively whilst in tandem applying engineering principles, resulting in some excellent solutions.

To conclude the day, pupils had the incredible opportunity to walk out onto the Forth Road Bridge to see its construction up close — not one for the faint hearted! This was led by our Technology Teachers, Mr Baillie, Mrs Munro, and Mr McCormick, who started discussions around suspension cables, expansion joints, structural maintenance, and other key aspects.

It was a thoroughly compelling and enjoyable trip, which will support and enhance the learning and teaching in Engineering Science and beyond and ties in with the ‘Structures’ unit that will be covered later on in S4.