Primary school students constructed and crossed a 13-metre bridge while also competing to build the strongest model bridge using construction toys.
More than 200 local pupils got a hands-on introduction to engineering as they donned high-visibility vests and hard hats for an interactive experience at Hammersmith Bridge. The event, part of the Bridges4Schools programme, allowed primary school students to step into the shoes of engineers, constructing and crossing a 13-metre bridge while also competing to build the strongest model bridge using construction toys.
“I really enjoyed working with my team because we built a bridge that we can actually walk on,” said Sadie from St John’s CE Primary in Hammersmith. Her classmate Francisco added: “The activity was very fun to do with my friends and I loved building a bridge – it was very fun.”
Teachers were equally enthusiastic about the experience. “The children had lots of fun,” said Emmie Callus from St John’s. “They’ve been really engaged and used some great teamwork to create the bridge.”
The engineering challenges brought together students from various schools across the borough, including St Peter’s CE Primary, St John’s Walham Green CE Primary, St Stephen’s CE Primary, St Mary’s Catholic Primary, and Bute House Preparatory School.
This initiative is part of the wider Bridges4Schools programme, which has so far inspired more than 800 students, ranging from Year Two pupils to university-level learners. The programme aims to make engineering and construction accessible and engaging, equipping young minds with the skills and knowledge to consider future careers in these fields.
Like real engineering teams, students were assigned specific roles and worked in small groups to assemble the impressive 13-metre bridge. Once completed, each pupil had the opportunity to walk across their collaborative creation, testing the strength and stability of their work.
Cllr Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in fostering interest in STEM subjects. “Building a borough ready for tomorrow requires getting our young people excited about science, technology, engineering and maths, which is a crucial part of our Upstream London economic growth plan. We’re giving hundreds of our youngest residents the opportunity to learn about engineering through hands-on, interactive experiences. This is part of our commitment to making H&F the best place for kids to find and pursue their passions.”
Beyond constructing a walkable bridge, pupils also tackled the challenge of building model bridges using Lego-like construction toys. The goal was to design structures capable of supporting the heaviest weight possible, encouraging problem-solving and creativity. Hammersmith Bridge continues to serve not only as a vital transport link but also as an invaluable educational tool, bridging the gap between young minds and the world of engineering.
