As part of Bargeddie Primary School’s focus on STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – a team from Taylor Wimpey West Scotland took the opportunity to lead a series of practical sessions in school to outline the important part these subjects play within the housebuilding industry.

Using the four key subjects as the pillars of their task, the children were asked to build a model house in their groups.

The children had a variety of materials to choose from, and each completed model was judged against set criteria that included whether it was the strongest, tallest, coolest looking, best functioning, cheapest as well as the overall best design.

The STEM subjects contribute across a number of disciplines in the housebuilding industry. With the construction of new homes now underway at Taylor Wimpey’s local Burnside View development in Bargeddie, STEM week was a great opportunity for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland to give the children an insight into the industry and highlight the relevance of these subjects in real life.

Errin Hendry-Giles, technical management trainee for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, led the sessions and said: “When you consider the importance of the STEM subjects across a number of areas of our business, it’s crucial that we play our role in inspiring children to enjoy these subjects in order to future-proof our industry.

“Without Science we can’t explore new technology, design or investigate soils or materials. Technology is the cornerstone for creating new energy efficient homes to help us reduce the carbon footprint of each household and creating places where people want to live. Engineering is also a key part of designing and constructing our new homes. Finally, Maths makes it possible to be able to work out our costs and make sound business decisions.

“Our project to build a house from a range of fun materials against set criteria certainly got the children thinking and using these subjects in real-time to create some great models. With a number of learning outcomes across each of the core subjects, we were able to help the children reach the conclusion that all four STEM subjects are important because they help us to solve problems at work, school and everyday life.”

Lynn Logan, class teacher who organised STEM week at Bargeddie Primary School, added: “The STEM sessions provided by the team from Taylor Wimpey West Scotland were a fun and engaging way to bring each of the four subjects to life. Our children have enjoyed learning more about the housebuilding industry and Taylor Wimpey’s insight into the importance of STEM reminds us how crucial learning in these subject areas is for the future of many industries.”