• Introduce key stages 1 and 2 to the world of Engineering.
• Interaction with staff and pupils in a local primary school.

Arup Belfast was approached by St Michael’s Primary School inviting them to take part in their School Science Week.

St Michael’s describe themselves as a busy but friendly school, with lots going on. They strive to provide a happy, caring and educationally productive environment that is a testament to the theme of the school motto: “Courage Courtesy Concern”.

The purpose of Arup’s visit was to engage with the children by providing an insight into the world of engineering specifically tailored to each age group which ranged from 4 to 11 year olds. The date of the visit was the highlight of Schools Science Week.

29 staff at Arup Belfast, across all grades and sectors, volunteered to attend the visit and were divided into small groups across the 14 classes in the school. Each group delivered a presentation about Engineering and Arup and highlighted some of the signature global projects. Pupils and teachers had the opportunity to dress up in Personal Protective Equipment to raise awareness of health and safety on construction sites.

Before the session came to a close pupils created a tower structure using dried spaghetti and jelly babies. This fun and interactive activity captured the imagination of the pupils and encouraged them to work as a team to create the best tower possible. At the end of the challenge the towers were judged on height, design and stability.

The Principal of St Michael’s Primary School was very appreciative of Arup engaging with the school children and indicated the day would be “something the pupils will remember for the rest of their lives”.

Bronagh Finn, Principal was extremely grateful for Arup staff giving up their time to provide an insight into the world of Engineering to the staff and pupils of St Michael’s Primary School.

Arup staff were happy to get involved in this event and all 29 volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the children who viewed things very differently to them.

The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all members of the team allowing them to take time out from their day jobs to engage with the students and teachers in a very worthwhile and fun event. We hope that we have helped shape some engineers and scientists of the future. John McGill, Associate, Arup, Belfast

The day has been something the pupils will remember for the rest of their lives. Bronagh A. Finn, Principal, St Michael’s Primary School, Belfast