Hammersmith Bridge inspires 600 young engineers of the future
More than 600 students from 10 local schools have received hands-on lessons from the borough’s “world-leading” Hammersmith Bridge engineers. Pupils from St Peter’s CE and St Paul’s CE primary schools in Hammersmith are the latest to participate in engineering training. The Year 5s took on the role of engineers, constructing and crossing a 13-meter bridge. They also tried to build the strongest miniature bridge using construction toys.
Getting the youngest residents excited about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) is a crucial part of H&F’s “pioneering” Industrial Strategy and building a borough that’s ready for tomorrow. Since 2022, Hammersmith Bridge education programme has inspired students across the borough from Year 2 to university level.
Students donned safety gear and worked in teams to assemble a 13-meter bridge. Each child tested the structure by walking across it. Susannah, 10, from St Peter’s said: “I learned about construction. My favourite part was walking on the bridge we made. I loved everything!”
Pupils then built model bridges using Lego-like pieces, competing to design the structure that could support the heaviest weight. “My team’s bridge held 12.5kg,” explained Georgie, 10, from St Peter’s. During their hands-on STEM lesson, the St Peter’s students even got to visit 137-year-old Hammersmith Bridge.
“Our STEM education programme lets H&F’s youth discover engineering in an exciting, interactive way,” the council said in a press release. “We want H&F to be the best place for kids to find and explore their passions.”
