Well done to Armadale Academy who came second out of 26 schools in the 2011-2012 East of Scotland Construction and Built Environment Challenge champions

The group of S2 pupils from Armadale scooped the title at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh after an outstanding performance in a series of construction-related challenges and activities.

These involved assembling a garden shed, tiling a replica roof and solving plumbing and electrical challenges.

Supporting the Curriculum for Excellence, the competition offered pupils the opportunity to take part in constructive teamwork and active learning outside the classroom.

CDT teacher at Armadale Academy, Katerina Kennedy, said: “The construction challenge was all about working as a group of a team and the students had to have good communication skills.

“To get through to the final was a great achievement and they all really worked well.”

Head teacher at Armadale Academy, Mr Campbell Hornell, said: “I am very proud of the Armadale Academy students.  

“Second place in a prestigious national competition is an outstanding effort by all involved. 

“We were really pleased. We’d gone through from the West Lothian to the national event and we’re such a small school.”

Despite impressing judges throughout all set challenges, the Armadale pupils were just beaten by Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans.

Mrs Kennedy said: “They all thought we were going to win; however, we were just pipped to the post by Prestonpans.

“There were a lot of challenges because some people were good at one thing and others were good at something else – we had a range of students with a range of abilities.

“They had to spend the whole day at the Corn Exchange. There was a plumbing task; they built a hut, they had to build something with recycled material, like paper, and they built an air-powered vehicle. Some of the students said that the best part was constructing the hut.

“They all worked really hard and at the end they won £200 towards the department and £20 vouchers each for HMV. I don’t think they were expecting that.”

Mr Hornell added: “The area of construction remains very popular within the school and the performance of our students is a reflection of their hard work and the quality of the teaching.”

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive of SECTT, a partner organisation to the event, congratulated all the finalists.

She said: “This year’s challenge has seen some of the region’s best talent - next year’s youngsters certainly have big shoes to fill.

 “Undertaking a trade or starting a career in the construction or engineering industry is an excellent choice and it’s very positive to see the young people who have taken part throughout the competition, eagerly experiencing the skills required.”

 The enthusiastic pupils were judged on teamwork, following instruction, working safely, tidiness, time and accuracy.

Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages said: “The annual Construction and Built Environment Challenge is a great platform, in line with Curriculum for Excellence, for youngsters to transform classroom learning into practical experience and hone the skills required for a career in the construction sector.

“This event is a fantastic showcase for youngsters looking to move into the industry and ensure Scotland’s construction sector is in good hands for the future.’’

 Now in its twelfth year, the East of Scotland Challenge this year is sponsored by the Scottish Government and SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for Building Services Engineering, and is also supported by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for Construction.

Above picture: (back row from left to right) CDT Teacher Katarina Kennedy, Oliver Graham, Owen Cook, Rheagan Swan, Lanna Meek, Ryan Jeffrey and the MSP

(front row from left to right) Hazel Braven-Wootton, Sophie Brodie, Declan Reid, Kirstie Lambie, Ebony Jay Brown