Look Draw Build@Reading Station is a project which since 2022 has engaged some 450 children, mainly in Year 5, in 15-18 classes of Reading schools each year, practically in Engineering, Architecture and the history and future of the Railways. It started in 2022 as project by Archi-Adventure of Barcelona and Reading Civic Society.
In 2025 we were encouraged by Network Rail West to extend the project to 9 schools, 14 classes, in Bristol (April to May).
We provide a specially commissioned video about the railways past and present. The classes are taken around Reading and Bristol Temple Meads Stations by GWR staff, learning how to navigate large stations and safety on the railway. The children work in groups of 3 work to design their own model stations. Then follows morning workshops during which we ask, and guide, the children to build their stations using materials we provide free. Each class is asked to choose a model to represent it in an Inter-School competition.
The workshops were led by Reading Civic Society members assisted by 28 volunteers in Bristol and 25 in Reading, STEM ambassadors from major engineering companies.
During the afternoon of 5 June in the Brunel Breakout Room (Engine Shed) a panel of engineering professionals will evaluate the 14 Models submitted by the Bristol schools. The top 3 will receive Gold, Silver or Bronze plaque and books on Engineering, Architecture & the Stockton and Darlington line (Railway 200). The top class wins a trip to SS Great Britain.
5th June is Awards Night (5:45 pm to 7:30pm on Platform 14 (Engine Shed). We will brief about the project, the 14 models will be on display. Mr Brunel will be with us to announce the results. We are honoured that The Lord Lieutenant of the City and County of Bristol will be represented by Deputy Lieutenant Mr Stephen Parsons MBE DL.
For more information. There is no charge to attend but you must book.