As part of national Science and Engineering week, Grittleton House School students put their skills to the test to design an shelter for those in the aftermath of an earthquake.

In a challenge set by educational organisation, STEM South-West, the event was designed to enhance students’ lateral thinking, design and engineering.

Pupils from years 8 and 9 worked together on a civil engineering project called the Earthquake Recovery Challenge, where students were challenged to help the recovery of a rural community following an earthquake.

They were asked to design and make a shelter to house at least two people from their team to protect them from the elements, as well as a communication tower to summon aid. Competition between groups was keen and there was widespread industrial espionage as pupils sought to glean ideas from other groups.

Pupils enjoyed the task so much they asked to work through their breaks in order to carry on building.

One said: “Every school should do it. It was not only a great experience, but also great fun.”