Tuesday 15 October 2013

Familiar faces at Monday Construction Club

Every Monday after school, the workshop doors are thrown open to any students keen to lend a hand and play their part in the building of the house. So far participation has been outstanding, ensuring an output almost matching that of the timetabled construction classes.

Numbers have been consistently high and the atmosphere is always one of enthusiasm and productivity. Attendees are showing an eagerness to learn that is fairly reflected in the quality of their work and the rapid development of their expertise.
A particularly noteworthy contribution has come from an extremely competent group of fresh-faced Year 7 girls who rarely miss a session.

Mariam Rahman, Ola Ibrahim, Rania El-Gamal and Einas Omar have shown passion and commitment to the cause and are fast proving themselves to be invaluable members of the team. Already dab hands with the contents of most tool boxes and always prepared to acquire new skills, they are also showing an astute understanding of the technical side of the building plans.

Mariam, 11, said: “I wasn’t too interested at first, but once I tried it I found it really interesting and I really enjoyed it. It’s really fun.”

Keep it up girls and we’ll have a house before Christmas!
 




Photo update: Great Monday club turnout

 



Photo update: Wall panel in progress

 

Photo update: Plans and instructions




Monday 14 October 2013

Trio lead the way

A big thank you must be said to Adam, Fahim and Malachi, who returned to school after hours for our annual Open Evening last week to show prospective parents the progress that has been made with the project.

These boys are excelling in their construction classes and have taken a leading role in the building of the house. They are setting a formiddable example to other students and are fast picking up a handy skill set that will hold them in good stead for the future. We are expecting great things from them!















Tuesday 1 October 2013

Where our timber comes from

All of the timber that we are using in production has been generously donated by BSW (British Soft Wood), the largest sawmilling business in the UK, and is grown right here on home soil.

The species of soft wood that we are using is Larch, a tree that produces timber of a strong, durable nature, resistant to decay and insect or fungal attacks. Larch is a particularly healthy choice of timber because it requires no extra chemicals to prevent it from rotting. Opting to use locally sourced timber, rather than concrete blocks, means that considerably less energy has been used in the production of our building materials than is sometimes the case with similar projects.

For more information on BSW visit www.bsw.co.uk

Photo update: Students perusing the plans

Year 10 and 11 construction students have so far fabricated at least 20 ladder frames and our excellent after school club, who meet every Monday to help with with the project, have matched this production. Next up will be the window panels.

Students peruse the house plans: