Year 8 Students Explore Sustainable Construction ( Published: 08/05/2026)

Year 8 students took part in an inspiring full-day workshop led by Matt and Fiona, Architects, in partnership with Bywater Construction, giving pupils a real-world insight into sustainable development and careers in the green economy.

The workshop was based around Bywater Construction’s current sustainable redevelopment of a building on Fountain Street in Manchester. Using this live project as a case study, students were challenged to think critically about how buildings are designed, constructed and adapted to meet environmental demands. Students then planned and designed a sustainable building façade; this hands-on activity encouraged creativity while reinforcing the importance of sustainability in modern architecture and construction.

The workshop gave students valuable exposure to the wide range of careers within construction and the green economy. The green economy is one of the Greater Manchester MBACC gateways, representing a key area of economic growth and employment opportunity across the region. This workshop also forms a key part of the school’s Project 8, an initiative designed to support Year 8 students as they prepare for the transition into Year 9.

The day strongly reflected one of our core school values: ambition. Students were encouraged to aim high, think beyond the classroom and see themselves as future professionals who can make a positive difference to their communities and the environment.

We would like to thank Matt and Fiona, Architects, and Bywater Construction for their time, expertise and commitment to inspiring the next generation.

We are keen to provide all students, including those in younger year groups, with employer engagement opportunities, using local labour market information to ensure that these opportunities are relevant to the Greater Manchester, area and the rapidly changing employment market. Moving students on to a fulfilling career is a key part of TEMA’s mission and our careers education programme remains one of our strengths.
Miss Lonsdale, Assistant Headteacher, Personal Development

I had never thought about working in construction before and I didn’t realise that being an architect involves being good at subjects like art – I have learned a lot.
Year 8 student