STUDENTS from Ratcliffe School in Dawlish were taken on a special tour of Taylor Wimpey’s Cranbrook development in Exeter to help them with their GCSE studies.

The eight Year 10 pupils are currently studying construction materials and wanted to visit the leading housebuilder’s new development to find out more about the different building materials used on site.

The group was shown around Cranbrook by Senior Site Manager Ian Edgcumbe and Site Manager Dave Clark, who talked to the students about the methods and materials used in the construction of this new eco-friendly development.

Teacher Mark Rose says: “Taylor Wimpey has provided our pupils with a fantastic opportunity to reinforce their learning of construction materials. As part of their GCSE course they learn about the properties and application of a variety of construction materials.

“On our visit to Cranbrook our pupils were able to see these materials being applied whilst Ian and Dave shared their extensive knowledge of how each of the materials used within Taylor Wimpey homes are matched to their properties; considering their insulation, structural and corrosion properties alongside their environmental, aesthetic and economic impact.

“To end our visit our pupils were able to look around the show homes. They were amazed by the quality of the finished houses and how beautifully they were furnished; excitedly identifying which bedrooms they would choose.

“Our pupils returned to school having thoroughly enjoyed the experience; also having developed their understanding of this GCSE topic and how science is applied. Thank you very much Ian, Dave and Taylor Wimpey.”

Janine Copleston, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey, says: “The students from Ratcliffe School were able to get a first hand view of how a modern house is made and we hope that will help them in their studies.

“Today’s new-build properties offer many environmental benefits compared with older homes and we hope the visit has given them a thorough understanding of the design process and the work that goes into making our homes.”

There is currently a wide range of new homes available to buy at Cranbrook, including two-bedroom homes from £152,995, three-bedroom properties from £249,995, four-bedroom houses from £257,995 and five-bedroom homes from £525,000.

Located eight miles from Exeter, Cranbrook is a brand new community of eco-friendly homes and is the first new town of its kind in Devon.

Parents will appreciate a choice of new primary and secondary schools in the area, while a range of community facilities, including a health centre and a central shopping street, are being created as part of this new development.

For commuters, junction 29 of the M5 is just minutes away for journeys to Exeter and Bristol, while a new railway halt is due to be built at Cranbrook for 2015 offering direct services to London Waterloo and Exeter.

To find out more about the new homes now on sale at Cranbrook, property-seekers can visit the Sales Information Centre, located off London Road, Exeter, and open daily from 11am to 5pm. Alternatively, the Sales Executive can be contacted on 01392 349980.

Further information about Taylor Wimpey developments across the region is available by calling 01392 367267 or visiting www.taylorwimpey.co.uk.