Pupils don PPE to build knowledge

Primary school pupils in a Welsh school have had an unusual lesson – learning about the building trade at a working site

The year four children at Barry Island Primary School donned essential personal protective equipment (PPE) before starting their lessons. Fully protected in hard hats and hi-vis jackets, the group visited the site of an old hotel which is being converted into residential property.

The £2.4m development is to build 20 affordable homes on the site of the former Marine Hotel. As well as meeting apprentices on site, the pupils also used site plans to understand the project, see how various tools worked, and ask the manager of the site questions.

The group made the visit with Polly Davies, a teacher, who explained that the children were excited about the experience:

“Such a wonderful opportunity to be a part of such a great project, real people, real jobs, in our local community. We can't wait to learn and develop along this journey together."

The head teacher of the school, Ty Golding, agreed, saying that the day was really meaningful to all of the class. He also said it was an ideal opportunity for girls in the class to learn that they could work in the industry:

“The chance for girls to see and communicate with women who are in key roles in such projects has no doubt been a catalyst for them to discuss and begin considering such careers for themselves in the future.”

September will see the pupils return to the development as part of a time capsule project.