Terminal 5 may have been hailed an ‘architectural tour de force’ by commentators, but children from schools in the boroughs closest to the airport were recently invited to see if they could do better as part of the Primary Schools T5 Construction Challenge. Over 2,000 year 6 pupils from 39 primary schools took part in the challenge, working in teams of six to create their own version of Terminal 5 using newspaper rods and cable ties. Their creations had to be large enough for the whole team to sit or stand in.
The groups first had to sketch out their plan before using a “STIXX” machine to create their rods using recycled newspapers. The rods were connected with cable ties to create a huge variety of mini-terminals that ranged from pyramids to hexagonal prisms. The winning team in each school was allowed to keep their finished terminal on display.
The challenge was supported by volunteers from BAA Heathrow, Mace, Morgan Est, Balfour Beatty and Taylor Woodrow and was funded by a grant of £9,400 from BAA Heathrow. It was co-ordinated by local education business partnerships and delivered by consultants Jeremy and Elaine King.
Joe Hardman, BAA Heathrow Economic Development Manager says: “This challenge showed that there are lots of budding architects, designers and engineers in the schools around Heathrow. The children came up with some innovative designs and there were some fantastic examples of skills such as team work and problem solving that are vital in the world of work. I was delighted with the way in which the pupils responded. It’s a great way for them to learn some basic principles of construction and engineering and to understand the range of construction jobs available at places like Heathrow.”
Jamela Khan, Manager of Ealing & Hillingdon Education Business Partnership said: “This is the third year we have worked with BAA Heathrow to deliver the challenge and, as always, we have been delighted with the enthusiasm, skill and commitment shown by the pupils. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people and the involvement of volunteers from a range of Heathrow’s construction companies has given them a real insight into the construction industry.”
Notes to editors
- Heathrow Airport handles an average of 180,000 passengers and 1350 flights daily. It is the world’s busiest international airport and serves over 180 destinations on around 90 airlines.
- In 2008, BAA Heathrow spent £1.9m on community investment and economic development schemes.
- 1 in 10 people in employment in Hounslow work at Heathrow Airport.
- 1 in 27 people in employment in Ealing work at Heathrow Airport.
- 1 in 15 people in employment in Hillingdon work at Heathrow Airport.
- 1 in 20 people in employment in Slough work at Heathrow Airport.
- 1 in 9 people in employment in Spelthorne work at Heathrow Airport.
- BAA Heathrow employs over 4000 staff. Total employment at Heathrow is over 72,000 staff.
- Heathrow Airport sustains approximately 170,000 jobs across the UK.
Further information and photos from the Heathrow press office on 020 8745 7224 (number not for publication). Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/heathrowairport
