Our year 9 learners have been set a project: How can we improve transportation links between East London and South London? 

To lead them through this challenge, we have enlisted the support of one of our valued sponsors Costain who invited us to visit the HS2 site. As this was the first trip our years 9s have had with us since joining the college, it was a particularly exciting way to launch the Employer Led Project.  

Comprising 140-miles of track, four new state-of-the art stations, two depots, 32 miles of tunnel, and 130 bridges, HS2 will leave a legacy of environmentally responsible travel, economic regeneration and technological innovation for generations to come.  

Costain Group plc is one of the companies working on this immense project. 

The ELP will span over 30 hours of learning, with a focus on developing soft and professional skills, working with our leading employers from Costain and critical thinking. Moreover, by undertaking an extended project in their first term with us, our year 9 learners will be introduced to the culture of employer led blended learning that is the cornerstone of our education provision. 

When visiting the HS2 site, learners listened to engaging talks from different professionals working on the site who explained the intricacies of their role and how it contributes to the wider HS2 project. They were told about progress and vision of the HS2 project – the extent of the effort, collaboration and expertise needed to undertake such a great task and the predicted benefits once it is completed. 

The day was topped off with an engaging Q&A followed by a quick trip to one of the rooftops that overlook the construction site and the beautiful London landscape. 

Year 9 learner Halima shared, “I really enjoyed going on top of the roof to see the construction site with my own eyes. It was easier to understand their mission and why they were doing this and impressive with how far the building site went. P.S I counted 37 cranes!” 

Inspired by their site visit, our learners will now work in groups to tackle the task of improving transportation links between East London and South London. We excited to see what innovative solutions our learners come up with. More to follow! 

“I extremely enjoyed this trip as we got to see the future of transport. The best part was learning how the train is sustainable and is going to be fully electric. I felt so honoured to see the HS2 in the works.” year 9 learner, Miruna.