A GROUP of sixth formers have been bridging the gap between their classroom studies and real-world engineering scenarios with the help of an engineering education scheme.

The project saw the team from St Albans Girls School (STAGS) prepare a model for building Croxley Rail Link Viaduct, aided by mentor Derek Twigg, a network manager from the highways department at the county council.

It is one of 18 similar schemes across Herts, Beds and Milton Keynes which provides a rare opportunity for students to apply the maths and science skills they learn in the classroom to real-life engineering projects. Essential business skills such as time-management and teamwork are also learned.

Each group of budding engineers is provided with a science or engineering mentor.

Teams from each scheme gathered at the University of Herts to present their work where the STAGS model for viaduct construction was well received by the judging panel.