The book’s author, children’s writer Chris Madeley, read the story to the young people who each received a copy to take home with them.
Jhen-Nel Swanston, HS2’s Legacy Manager for the region said: “We’re exceptionally proud of the work that EKFB is doing with local schools in Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire.
“The new site safari programme is a fun and safe way to bring young people onto our construction sites where they can learn about how HS2 is being built.
"Hopefully the programme will help to inspire the next generation of engineers that will build the HS2 network to Manchester and the East Midlands.”
During the tour, the pupils learnt about the diggers, excavators and specialist machinery being used to build the new railway. They made notes and drew pictures on their activity sheets, which were developed to enhance the learning programme.
The new site safari programme and the launch of Cones and High Speed Rail are part of a programme of skills, education, and employment initiatives that EKFB is delivering in the local area.
Paddy Patterson, EKFB’s Skills, Employment and Education Manager said: “HS2 is part of these children’s and the wider communities’ lives. Keeping everyone safe and ensuring they benefit as much as possible, whether through creative learning, or access to apprenticeships, contract opportunities and employment is our number one priority.
“Today marks the start of our exciting new education programme and we look forward to working with local communities to give even more young people access.”
Mrs Bonner, Headteacher at Chipping Warden Primary Academy said: “Thank you for providing this opportunity for the children to see what construction is happening in their local community.
"The children enjoyed listening to ‘Cones and High Speed Rail’ and then seeing the locations from the story in real life. They loved asking questions and finding out facts from their trip.”
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