Waterloo schoolchildren to get crash course in property industry

Waterloo secondary 'free school' Oasis Academy South Bank has teamed up with St Edward Homes – part of the Berkeley Group – to run the six-week programme.

Following a visit to St Edward Homes' 190 Strand development – where homes will cost up to £17 million – the group of 120 eleven year olds will have the chance to learn even more about the construction industry in the new academic year.

The pupils will take part in weekly sessions which will cover all aspects of the sector.

190 Strand's deputy Project manager Avni Metha launched the programme with a visit to the school where she gave a presentation outlining every stage of the construction process from planning to design and demolition to sales.

The youngsters were made aware of the dangers of working on a construction site while also learning about the employment opportunities with the industry.

The programme will be centred around a brief, set by St Edward Homes, to design, build, market and sell their own scheme with the methods and skills they have learnt throughout the programme.

At the end of the programme St Edward Homes will form part of the judging panel to which the pupils will present their plans.

"It is great to see young people getting excited about what we are doing," said Paul Vallone, executive chairman of St Edward Homes.

"The construction industry is always on the lookout for talented individuals to work towards the transformation of London so it is encouraging to see the future generation showing such an interest.

He added: "We are excited to work with Oasis Academy South Bank in September and are really looking forward to seeing their ideas when they present them."

Principal Carly Mitchell said: "At Oasis Academy South Bank we place great importance on teaching our pupils about their future career options.

"Our partnership with St Edward gives the children an exciting opportunity to learn about the construction industry.

"The students had a fantastic time visiting 190 Strand and can't wait to get stuck in to their own projects in September."

• Oasis founder Steve Chalke will be talking about the first year of Oasis Academy South Bank and its future plans at the South Bank Forum on Thursday 4 September.