Year 9 Geography students were briefed to design an earthquake-proof building for the fictional Mr Tanaka on 25th October.

Geography teacher Miss Richardson says: “Mr Tanaka’s building was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake, killing three members of his workforce. Students were asked to design a building to withstand an earthquake, ensuring this never happens again. This forms part of their Tectonic scheme of learning.”

The students worked in groups during the lesson, presenting a range of ideas created on paper, Powerpoint and in model form to classmates.

Thai, 13, said: “We designed our building in a strong trapezium shape, with steel triangles to reinforce the brick work. We think that this design would be able to resist earthquakes in the future.“

Janey, 13, said: “We designed it in a triangle shape, because it is strong and less likely to bend. We have also put springs at the base so that the building will move with the earthquake.”

How springs will work to stabilise a building in Japan