How many Year Three students can fit inside a quarry loader?

Students from Abbotswood Primary School in Yate put this question to the test during a recent visit to our Chipping Sodbury quarry.

During the trip, pupils enjoyed a guided tour of the quarry facilities, learning how materials from the quarry, such as limestone rock, are used to build roads, schools and other essential infrastructure.

Once kitted out in their PPE, the students made their way to the quarry floor where they watched the impressive heavy machinery in action. They were also able to get up close to some of the quarry vehicles to learn about their uses in extraction and processing.

A highlight of the day was the chance to step inside one of the quarry’s front loader trucks, where the entire class managed to fit in shoulder to shoulder for a memorable group photo.

Back in the classroom, students applied their learning through activities, such as identifying rock types, understanding rock formation and looked at the cycle of quarrying.

Sarah Brown, Teacher at Abbotswood Primary School, said: “Thank you to the Chipping Sodbury quarry team for our recent trip. The children had an amazing time and are still talking about it.”

Local residents will soon have the chance to follow in the student’s footsteps as we are opening the doors to our Chipping Sodbury operations between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 14 June as part of the town’s annual festival.

Visitors can explore the site, learn about the quarry’s operations and see the machinery up close. Tickets for the open day are limited and must be pre-booked at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/heidelbergmaterialsuk/1668710.