Southwark Regeneration Challenge at Thames Reach Academy, 8-9 February 2012

14 Feb 2012

Pupils from St. Thomas of Apostle School and Charter School in Peckham came together for National Apprenticeship Week. Events included a visit to a Lakehouse site for a Thames Reach Academy on Peckham Road, as well as a regeneration challenge at the old Fire Station on Tooley Street.

On Wednesday 8 February 17 young people visited the Thames Reach Academy site. They were given a health and safety briefing by Lakehouse’s Sidney Clark and Lee Start before being split into two groups. One group was given a presentation on the careers available in construction before carrying out a team building challenge to build a tower out of straws, whilst keeping an eye on profitability. The other group was taken on a site tour by Sidney and Lee and given the chance to get stuck in and help out with some painting. Each group had an opportunity to carry out both challenges. The feedback from students and supervisors was highly positive, and complimentary of Lakehouse.

Thursday 9 February gave the pupils a different experience altogether. They were able to use their team work skills as well as develop new skills to form a master plan for the Elephant and Castle area. Lakehouse’s CR Co-ordinator Niamh Spurle volunteered to act as a mentor and helped each group with the presentation and planning stages. Final presentations were judged by a panel, which included Lakehouse CR Manager Jon Brookes, who was impressed by the range of ideas that the students presented. Everyone went away with a consolation prize and some of the pupils found a new interest in planning and development!