Pupils at Beaconside CofE Primary School in Penrith put their engineering and teamwork skills to the test when classes took part in a STEM spaghetti challenge to design and build the tallest free-standing structure.
The fun and educational event saw teams of children working together to create ambitious structures using only spaghetti and a limited range of materials. After a series of impressive builds, prizes were awarded to the highest performing teams by Westmorland and Furness Council Vice Chair, Councillor Mark Rudhall.
The challenge was organised by Erin Docherty, Enrichment Leader at Beaconside School in partnership with Top Notch Contractors Ltd, Architects Plus and Align Property Partners, who are working with Westmorland and Furness Council on the delivery of a major design and build school extension project currently underway at Beaconside. The extension will increase school capacity and create additional specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Westmorland and Furness Council Vice Chair, Councillor Mark Rudhall said:
“It was fantastic to meet the pupils and see the enthusiasm, creativity and teamwork they brought to this challenge. Activities like this help children develop important problem solving and engineering skills while having fun. As the extension project progresses, it is great to see the contractor engaging with the school community and helping to inspire the next generation.”
Nick Page, Executive Headteacher at Beaconside CofE Primary School, said:
“Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the spaghetti challenge. It encouraged them to think creatively, work collaboratively and persevere when things did not go to plan, all valuable skills both inside and outside the classroom. We are very grateful to contractors and Westmorland and Furness Council for providing this opportunity and for their continued support as the extension project takes shape.”
Matty Harrington, Commercial Director at Top Notch Contractors Ltd, said:
“We are committed to leaving a positive legacy in the communities where we work, and engaging with local schools is an important part of that. The pupils impressed us with their imagination, determination and innovative ideas. It was a pleasure to deliver the challenge and celebrate their achievements at the prize-giving.”
The STEM activity forms part of wider engagement work linked to the construction project, which will provide additional school places and enhance facilities at Beaconside to support growing demand and expanded SEND provision.
The event concluded with a prize presentation ceremony, where Councillor Rudhall congratulated the winning teams and all participants for their efforts, highlighting the importance of encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from an early age.