Our Year 10 Built Environment learners embarked on an educational visit to the McCabe construction site in Canning Town. This immersive experience into the world of construction, covered aspects like careers, apprenticeships, site management, health and safety, and the intricate processes involved in building remediation works.
In the wake of the 2017 Grenfell fire, the UK has witnessed a significant shift in construction practices. Our learners had the unique opportunity to witness these changes firsthand. They observed the meticulous design and construction of scaffolding, analysed detailed construction drawings, and oriented themselves with architectural layouts.
“After visiting McCabe court, I gained a deeper understanding of the purpose of cladding in architecture. Cladding may need to be changed for various reasons, such as safety concerns, maintenance issues, or to improve the appearance of a building. I also learnt that the function of cladding is to provide a protective and decorative covering for a building's exterior, it helps to shield the structure from external elements like weather, moisture, and UV rays,” year 10 learner, Christiana.
Stephen from Countryside Partnership and Joe from Local Dialogue led an informative session, shedding light on the complex relationship dynamics between residents and construction workers. This discussion highlighted the challenges faced in executing such essential work while minimising disruption to residents' daily lives. The learners were able to witness the proximity of construction work to residential areas, gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of health and safety in construction.
A standout moment was the live video call with a design manager, who illustrated the transition of designs from paper to reality. This interaction was not only informative but also inspiring, as learners were encouraged to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions about the construction field.
This visit to the McCabe construction site provided our learners with invaluable, real-world insights into the construction and design industry. It underlined the importance of practical, hands-on learning experiences in understanding the complexities and responsibilities of the built environment.
