As part of our Community Works programme, we were delighted last Friday to support one of our fantastic employers, Richard Francis, Director of Wain & Francis Ltd, as he delivered his brilliant Trade School programme at the Grange Primary School in Banbury, supported by our very own Brickwork guru, Craig Wheeler, and pre-Apprentice Chay Fisher. We were also delighted that both the Banbury Guardian and Banbury Sound came along to report on the day, which added to the excitement.
The session was to support the Grange’s The Big Build project in which Key Stage 1 pupils have been learning about how we use materials to build and adapt much of the world around us, and they have done a range of activities including studying maps, and learning about why certain materials are used in modern construction. Trade School supports these themes by enabling pupils to get hands on with real bricks, mortar and trowels as well as learn about tools, materials and Health & Safety in a construction environment. An underlying theme for both The Big Build and Trade School is the use of the story of the Three Little Pigs….and we all know what smart biggie built his house from!
The Trade School concept and programme was developed by Richard, who has employed Construction Apprentices for a decade. Like us, Richard is concerned that Construction, an essential part of our economy, is overlooked by so many young people and their parents as a possible, highly skilled, in-demand, career. After consultation with local Primary and Secondary Head Teachers, as well as National leaders in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) enrichment and enhancements sector, Richard developed Trade School and has now piloted it very successful in a number of schools in Oxfordshire.
Every single child got to have a go at bricklaying and they all received special certificates afterwards, which were presented by Richard and Craig. Reflecting on a busy day which saw over seventy 5,6 and 7 year olds take part – as well as several teachers – across 3 sessions, Richard said “It was a pleasure to deliver Trade School to such an enthusiastic group of 5,6 and 7 year olds here at the Grange Primary in Banbury. You know when you’ve got it right when you hear a child say “this is the best day of my life” as they can’t wait to get their hand on Bricks and Mortar! Lessons can be taught but passion… well, thats inspired.”
Deputy Head Teacher Jude Barratt – who herself won a thrilling ‘brick-off’ with Head Teacher Bev Boswell (see photos), was delighted with how the day had gone. “Thanks for an amazing day last Friday. The children thoroughly enjoyed the ‘hands on’ experience and have not stopped talking about it. As part of our Literacy work this week we have been writing an account of the event and the quality of writing has been amazing! Please pass on our thanks to Craig and Richard. The children thoroughly enjoyed working with them, and felt very proud when they received their certificates. We look forward to working with you all in the future.”
We were delighted today to receive a lovely thank you card from the Grange who had clearly enjoyed their Trade School experience every bit as much as we did! Our thanks go to the school for being great hosts, to the children for being such a credit to their school, and not least to Richard for giving his time and expertise freely to deliver the sessions. Some photos from the day below…..
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