PUPILS with special needs learnt more about a £12 million school being built for them.

Students and teachers from the Orion Academy took a tour of the building site, finding out about how the building was progressing and the construction industry.

The event was held by Morgan Sindall Construction, the main contractor at the Knights Road site.

Twelve pupils then later joined a mechanical and electrical workshop on pipe crimping, where they were able to try their hand at joining both copper and plastic pipes followed by an electrical workshop, where they were taught how to set up a double plug socket.

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Assistant headteacher Darren Male said: “The students really enjoyed themselves and found the practical workshops helpful in learning more about the construction industry.

“This initiative has helped grow a further interest in vocational studies and all the students are looking forward to the new school being built and our new DT workshop opening to support our students with their vocational studies.”

Earlier this year, students were invited to sign a brick to be placed in the school’s walls.

The new building is scheduled to be completed by the autumn, in time for the new academic year.

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James York, area director for Morgan Sindall, said: “We are really pleased to have hosted these learning workshops for the children at Orion Academy, working in collaboration with our local supply chain to help teach pupils about the many ways the construction industry can help shape the world around them.

“At Morgan Sindall Construction, we are experienced at delivering inclusive environments for all and we look forward to the delivery of the new school later this year.”

Both events were held adhering to Covid-19 guidelines, with all attendees maintaining social distancing and wearing protective PPE.

The Orion Academy is operated by The Gallery Trust.