A major project was right on track when it taught hundreds of pupils about the importance of the influential but often overlooked civil engineer Peter Bruff.
Peter Bruff: The Forgotten Engineer was launched with an online live streamed workshop to more than 500 north Essex pupils.
Delivered by Colchester based creative agency KAT Marketing, funding for the innovative project came from the Greater Anglia Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
A hugely talented engineer, Bruff was at the forefront of establishing railway networks in East Anglia as well as being the genius behind the creation of Clacton as a seaside resort. He was also the engineer responsible for the construction of the Chappel Viaduct, the builder of Clacton and Walton piers and a number of other infrastructure projects in Essex and Suffolk.
A contemporary of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Bruff’s work was pivotal in the development of the railway network in the East of England and yet both nationally and locally his achievements often go unrecognised.
Peter Bruff: The Forgotten Engineer is an educational initiative which aims to shine a light on Bruff’s significant contributions to railway engineering and other major schemes in the region.
The programme was masterminded by KAT Marketing alongside dual partners East Anglian Railway Museum and Clacton & District Local History Society.
The scheme engaged youngsters in all aspects of STEAM learning – Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics – with the aim of fostering critical thinking, creativity and innovation.
KAT Marketing created the educational programme which shares Bruff’s inspirational story and demonstrates the importance of engineering and innovation as part of our past and our future through a series of learning objectives aligned to the KS1 and KS2 curriculum.
It was launched on Tuesday, 10th February by KAT Marketing’s Managing Director Katie Skingle live from East Anglian Railway Museum’s base at Chappel and Wakes Colne Station.
Participating schools across north Essex enjoyed series of activities lead by artist Jenny Leonard, broadcast direct to their classrooms. Craft and art challenges included problem solving tasks and pupils were encouraged to let their imaginations run free by designing futuristic transport and pleasure piers.
Katie said: “We are delighted to lead this valuable programme highlighting the enormous contribution made by Peter Bruff to north Essex and beyond.
“His achievements were simply amazing and we wanted to share them and inspire youngsters to be the engineers of tomorrow.
“The programme also introduced children to the value and opportunity which comes from train travel as well as making connections with local engineering heritage and fostering community pride and historical awareness.”
More than 500 pupils took part in the launch event.
Ellie Jaggs, Headteacher of Boxted St Peter’s Primary School, said: “We were delighted to be part of the Peter Bruff project – our Year 4 class absolutely loved getting involved in the live art workshop! It was a great chance for them to practise their drawing skills and use their imagination and creativity.
We’re looking forward to putting the education pack to use across the school and learning more about Peter Bruff and how his engineering work influenced our local area.”
Scott Dolling, Partnerships Manager at Greater Anglia, said: “We are delighted to support this education-focused project through our Customer and Community Improvement Fund. Initiatives such as this help bring the history of the railway to life for young people while inspiring the next generation of engineers, innovators and rail professionals.
“The fund has supported 28 community-focused projects across our network this year, all aimed at enhancing the role of rail in the communities we serve.”
Schools can still get in touch with KAT Marketing to get a downloadable recording of the event and an education pack and resources for learning, which are aligned with the KS1 and KS2 curriculum.
