They created a giant jigsaw map with 3D models of the Olympic Park and their local area during special workshops to explore how the Olympics and other redevelopments will affect their surroundings.

The school in East Ham is one of nine in the borough taking part in a programme called Bridging the Gap, which brings a specialist team of architecture teachers into the classroom to give children a better understanding of their local environment.

Funded by Newham Council, it is the first of its kind to help pupils and teachers explore the scale of the changes that are taking place and learn about town planning and building. It is run by Fundamental Architectural Inclusion, an architecture centre based in Newham that seeks to get communities, especially young people, more involved in rebuilding their local area.

Sir Robin Wales commented: "It is a great idea to use the enthusiasm around 2012 to bring geography and architecture to life. The workshops are opening children's eyes to their own neighbourhoods.

"All the building projects taking place in Newham will have an important influence over our children's future and I want them to be as involved as possible."

More information about the project is on www.fundamental.uk.net/bridgingthegap