Jul 25 2005
Students in years 10 to 13 at The Northicote School in Bushbury are celebrating coming to the end of the summer term knowing they have got to grips with the construction industry – and it’s been made possible with the help of leading brick manufacturer, Baggeridge.
The ONC Construction and City & Guilds qualification is an option offered to pupils and as the course incorporates all elements of bricklaying, staff at the school called on Baggeridge’s assistance in providing product. The Sedgley-based firm was only too pleased to help and its donation of close on 4,000 bricks has helped students on their way to creating a variety of brick structures. The course, available to both girls and boys, has been extremely well received – 35 pupils chose this route this year and the school is delighted to report that the timetable is already full for next term. Marie Weatherington, work related mentor at The Northicote School said the introduction of Construction as an option is having many positive knock-on effects with students who have chosen to follow this route.
She comments: “The Construction course appealed to those pupils who tended to favour more practical subjects rather than theoretical ones however unbeknown to them, they had to use mathematical skills when building. What’s more, we also found their confidence grew considerably and attendance levels across the board also improved.
“The course proved such a hit with students that numerous teachers from across the region have visited us to get a better understanding of what the programme involves with a view to introducing it at their own school next year and our sincere thanks must go to Baggeridge Brick.” Alison Adderley, marketing services manager at Baggeridge Brick adds: “It’s always great to know when young people express an interest in the construction industry and The Northicote School has done a brilliant job in spearheading this course and raising awareness of the wide range of opportunities that are available to young people today.”