AROUND 80 pupils at Philips High School proved themselves a "class act" after rubbing shoulders with industry experts.

The Whitefield school collaborated with design engineering and construction company Class of your Own and Bury-based ventilation ductwork giants Hargreaves to deliver an enterprising workshop for the year nine students.

The event was led by Mrs Joanne Potts, head of science, and Mr Colin Duxbury, head of careers.

Assistant headteacher at the Higher Lane school, Mrs Emma Platt, said: "Pupils were given three aims for the day: to create and design a company, to create a market brand and to model a self-sustained eco classroom for the local community. To do this, they had to take on the role of a professional, such as a surveyor, brand designer, sustainability officer and others.

"Pupils worked in small teams and were supported by real-life professionals from the building industry, including architects, surveyors and landscape designers, to give them a genuine insight into the work they do."

Mrs Platt added: "Our year nine pupils were absolutely delighted to be working so closely with professionals in their field. The day provided lots of opportunities to develop hands-on skills, such as drawing up architect plans. It also helped the pupils to understand the varied career opportunities the building environment profession has to offer. The enthusiasm with which pupils engaged in the activities was fantastic.

"The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all pupils and a particular highlight was the experience of launching a drone over Philips High School so it could survey the area."

Mrs Platt said the school was "delighted" to work in partnership with Hargreaves whose support has allowed Philips to offer the design, engineer construct KS (Key Stage) four course to year 10 pupils.

She concluded: "This is an exciting new course that provides pupils with access to real life engineering projects and industry software design. "