PROGRAMMING walking robots, building structures, the construction and demolition of bridges – these do not sound like your average after-school activities. But at the annual Science and Engineering day at Barking Abbey School last week pupils from across

PROGRAMMING walking robots, building structures, the construction and demolition of bridges - these do not sound like your average after-school activities.

But at the annual Science and Engineering day at Barking Abbey School last week pupils from across the borough and Essex showed they had the know-how.

Nine schools attended the day, on March 10, which was also a competition to commemorate national science and engineering week.

The day was split into two activities, the first session was programmable walking robots and the second activity was to see which team could build the tallest structure.

Barking Abbey won both of their events and the students were awarded engraved Apple iPod shuffles.

Brittons School, based in South Hornchurch, finished in second place.

There was also a competition for Barking Abbey lower school club; to design and construct a bridge and then test it to destruction.

Technology teacher at Barking Abbey, Alex Brooks, said: "The prizes were given by David Barlex, who is widely recognised in the field of design and technology.

"The students all had a great day, they learnt a great deal about team work, as well as the technical side of programming computer chips, designing structures and problem solving."

Barking Abbey School received a large grant in 2007 to run the nationally recognised After Schools Science and Engineering Clubs (ASSECS).

This was an event for other ASSECS London schools to attend.