During our exciting TMS Science Week, pupils across the school took part in a fantastic STEM challenge: designing and building a bridge using only recycled materials. The brief was simple but demanding – each bridge had to successfully span a 30cm gap and be strong enough to support weight.

The children began by researching different types of bridges and exploring how engineers design structures to be both strong and safe. Using their growing knowledge of forces, materials and shapes, they worked collaboratively to sketch and plan their own designs. There was some brilliant creative thinking on show, with teams carefully considering how to make their structures stable and sturdy. Armed with only recycled materials, pupils brought their designs to life. The classrooms buzzed with teamwork, problem-solving and experimentation as children adapted their ideas during the build process.

The most exciting part was putting the bridges to the test! Each team built or placed their bridge across the 30cm gap and gradually added weight, using a Jenga tower, one brick at a time, to find out how much load their structure could hold. Cheers, gasps and celebrations filled the room as bridges were tested to their limits!

After testing, pupils reflected on their designs — discussing what worked well, what could be improved, and how real engineers use this process to refine their creations.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, TMS teamwork, perseverance and ingenuity shown by all pupils. Science Week was a wonderful opportunity for the children to experience STEM learning in a hands-on, practical way – and it seems we may have some future engineers among us!

Well done to everyone who took part!