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Create - Projects

A Partnership between

Costain & BTEC Construction & Built Environment

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Intent

Curriculum leaders wanted all of Year 9 to undertake a project that would help them develop both soft skills and professional skills related to working in the construction and engineering sector. Specifically, they aimed for Year 9 learners to understand the importance of integrated solutions when considering large infrastructure projects. Costain, a UK Construction and Engineering company, was able to assist.

Implementation

Costain employees began their project by inviting all year 9 learners to visit the HS2 site, so they could see first-hand the scale of this project. Through engaging presentations and a multidisciplinary approach, the Costain team explained different job roles in the sector and set a brief for the learners to develop an innovative infrastructure solution. The learners were asked to create their infrastructure proposals using Lego and support their ideas with a presentation.

Impact

Learners gained an understanding of the interconnected nature of developing a sustainable transport solution and explored the various careers related to the sector. They generated inventive design ideas and worked collaboratively to develop their proposals before refining their presentation skills in front of an expert audience.

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Learner Quote:

“Visiting a real construction site showed me how engineers actually solve problems; it felt like I was already part of the team. I really enjoyed going to the top of the roof to see the construction site with my own eyes. It was easier to grasp their mission and understand why they were doing this, and I was impressed with how big the building site was. P.S. I counted 37 cranes!”

Teacher Quote:

“It was fantastic to see our Year 9 learners working together on such a challenging brief. They moved beyond simply building with Lego and really thought about how their designs could respond to environmental and social needs. Watching them present their ideas with such confidence at this stage of their journey was incredibly rewarding.”

Employer Quote:

“The enthusiasm and imagination the learners brought to the project was inspiring. They tackled a genuine infrastructure challenge with fresh perspectives and showed the kind of creativity and teamwork that our industry needs. We were proud to support them in taking their first steps towards exploring careers in engineering and construction.”

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Further key concepts

The main focus was on interpretation, impact, evaluation, and presentation, the activity also reinforced a wider range of BTEC Construction & the Built Environment concepts. Learners practised responding to professional briefs, investigated sustainability and environmental impact in infrastructure projects, and applied creative problem-solving to large-scale engineering challenges. They developed teamwork and communication skills in multidisciplinary contexts, while also gaining confidence in delivering professional presentations. Exposure to different construction and engineering roles gave learners early insight into potential career pathways.

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Industry Skill Exam Key Concept (BTEC Construction & the Built Environment)
Understanding sustainability and environmental impact. Sustainable design; environmental considerations in construction projects.
Interpreting and responding to professional briefs. Responding to client briefs; planning and preparation; understanding project needs.
Collaborative teamwork in multidisciplinary contexts. Team working; communication across disciplines; collaborative project delivery.
Creative problem-solving in large-scale challenges. Problem-solving in design and construction; innovative approaches to infrastructure.
Developing and delivering professional presentations. Communication skills; presenting technical ideas clearly and persuasively.
Awareness of diverse career pathways within construction. Understanding roles in the built environment; exploring progression opportunities.
Presentation skills. Professional behaviours; confidence in public speaking and presenting solutions.
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