Building Successful Futures for Willows High pupils

PUPILS from Willows High are set to embark on an enrichment programme designed to provide hands-on experience in construction and STEM-related careers.

“Building Successful Futures” is a collaborative project between Willows High and Morgan Sindall Construction, the contractors chosen to design and deliver the £60m brand new school.

The programme for Year 8 and 9 pupils and those pupils in Year 10 students specialising in construction-related fields, aims to help learners make informed choices about their future GCSE options and career pathways. Through a series of interactive sessions, pupils will gain valuable insights into various aspects of the construction industry, from project management to sustainability which link with the curriculum and provide authentic learning opportunities.

Programme highlights include:

Introduction to the Site & Project Management: Pupils will tour the site, learn about different construction roles, and understand the importance of health and safety.
Understanding Scale, Proportion & Design: Focus on architectural drawings, measurements, and design principles.
3D Modelling & Room Design: Introduction to 3D modelling software and digital tools in construction.
Trades & Hands-On Experience: Practical insights into various trades and the skills required.
The Role of a Quantity Surveyor & Budgeting: Exploration of budgeting, material management, and financial planning.
Sustainability in Construction: Discussion on eco-friendly materials and designing sustainable projects.
Final Site Tour & Reflection: Pupils will co-facilitate a site tour for a VIP, reflecting on their learning and career pathways.
Conclusion & Next Steps: The programme provides a comprehensive insight into the construction industry, encouraging students to engage actively and consider follow-up opportunities, including work experience placements and further study pathways in construction-related fields.

Headteacher of Willows High, Chris Norman said: “We are really proud of our enrichment programme, which gives our pupils the opportunity to get involved in activities and experiences that we wouldn’t necessarily be able to fit into the normal school day or wouldn’t be accessible outside of school.

“This new option, provided by Morgan Sindall, is a welcome addition to our canon and not only provides pupils with the opportunity to be involved in the development and construction of the new school, but provides them with all important life skills that will benefit them in the future.”

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: “The Building Successful Futures project means a lot to Morgan Sindall’s Wales team.

“We’re incredibly passionate about showing young people all the great construction-related opportunities available to them, and this programme is a great way to equip them with the knowledge and hands-on experience to inspire future careers in the sector.

“Many pupils can even enjoy the unique opportunity to be part of their new school’s construction.

“This programme will also help to strengthen Cardiff’s built environment sector, creating a highly skilled, engaged, and diverse workforce for years to come for the next generation.

“The support from Cardiff Council has been vital to bring this project to life and it’s been a pleasure to collaborate in a multitude of ways. We very much look forward to getting stuck into the programme.”

Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Sarah Merry said: “This exciting opportunity provides pupils with a comprehensive insight into the construction industry in line with the curriculum.

“Providing opportunities beyond the classroom is vital and the enrichment programme provides a unique opportunity for pupils to be involved with the new build school development, of which many will get to enjoy.

“It offers learners valuable knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their GCSEs and future career paths, helping to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.”

“Building Successful Futures” is part of Morgan Sindall’s school engagement programme delivered under the Community Well-Being Benefits initiative, linked with the construction of the new Willows High.

Community Well-Being Benefits (CWB), formerly known as Social Value are designed to benefit local communities. Contractors delivering development projects of more than £250k are required to submit an overall delivery plan outlining their approach and are supported by the Council to deliver on their commitments to communities throughout the lifecycle of the project.

They focus on: