Workshop
Step into the world of engineering, build a massive bridge, and spark excitement for STEM through teamwork and fun!
Secondary
Bring engineering to life in your school with The Big Bridge – a thrilling, hands-on STEM experience where students work together to build a 13-metre long, 3-metre high cable-stayed bridge… then walk across it!
Led by real engineers, this high-energy workshop gives pupils the chance to step into the role of civil and structural engineers for the day. Working in teams, they’ll develop problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills while learning how STEM subjects apply in the real world. From planning and coordination to construction and reflection, every moment is packed with teamwork, creativity and excitement.
The Big Bridge is designed to spark curiosity, raise aspirations and break stereotypes. Students hear first-hand from engineers about their career journeys, routes into the industry, and what a future in construction and design might look like. The experience is ideal for promoting STEM careers, supporting curriculum learning and offering students role models they can relate to.
The bridge kit is fully portable, and workshop facilitators bring everything needed to run the session safely and successfully in your school.
Important information
About The Big Bridge
The Big Bridge works with schools across Northern Ireland and Ireland, including those in rural, cross-community and high free-school-meal eligibility areas.
They offer female-only celebration events and adapt delivery to suit a wide range of learning needs and school settings.
Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects
Learning what the engineering workplace is like
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
Planning - Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them
Leadership - Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges
Adapting - Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals
Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal
What the teachers sayLog in to write a testimonialWe would love to read all about your time with this experience!
Secondary
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