Children at Chilton Primary in Ramsgate are on the right track for their latest engineering project with South Eastern Railways.

Pupils from Year 1 and Year 5 will work alongside railway engineers to build their own locomotives through the nationwide Primary Engineer programme.

To get the initiative underway Eloise Hall, who leads Design and Technology at the school, Year 5 teacher George Cook took part in a fully-funded training course that included high quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) teaching.

This practical career professional development course has already enabled the teachers to deliver a whole-class, curriculum-mapped Design and Technology engineering themed project.

Year 1 boarded the Chilton Express project first and are working with an engineer called Andy who helped oversee the design of the locomotives.

This included safely using a range of tools such as saws that they utilised to cut their dowel rod train frames to size.

Deputy Head of School Hannah Cheshire said: “This is fantastic project as it encourages our children to use so many of the STEM principles and skills.

“They love working with a real-life railway engineer and it was a thrill for them when their hand-built trains raced across the classroom.

“It may well inspire our pupils to consider future careers in engineering and even the rail industry. South Eastern Railways is an excellent partner for us to link with through this inspirational scheme.”

“Year 5 will begin their engineering project next term and cannot wait to get started.”

The Primary Engineer has been running since 2005 and its core aims include the development of children and young people through engagement with engineering, the promotion of engineering careers through inspiring programmes and competitions, the development of engineering skills for teachers and practitioners addressing the inequalities in engineering. Find out more online at www.primaryengineer.com

Chilton Primary is part of the Viking Academy Trust with partner schools Upton Juniors and Ramsgate Arts Primary.

*For more information contact Head of School Alex McAuley on 01843 597695