By Student Reporter Martina Lima, Year 7
On Friday 25 April 2025, the Year 7 students took part in the nationwide Careers Day Eco-Challenge, an exciting event held in partnership with Air Products and the Inspirational Learning Group. This Annual challenge engages students in schools across the UK, tasking them with designing a sustainable city of the future powered by environmentally friendly gases.
The challenge was hosted in two locations - one half of Year 7 worked in the drama studio, while the other half gathered in the Main Hall. As we were escorted to our designated areas, a sense of anticipation and curiosity filled the air. Everyone seemed eager to discover what the day had in store.
In the Drama Studio, students were assigned to teams and seated at their project tables. The facilitators from the Inspirational Learning Group led the session with enthusiasm and encouragement. They used clear instructions and engaging video content to guide us through each stage of the challenge. Their support made the experience not only educational but also truly enjoyable. Their positive energy brought the workshop to life.
One student summed up the atmosphere perfectly, “It is a great way to take a break from lessons and collaborate with others within our teams to work towards something positive.”
The core focus of the day was Air Products, a leading global supplier of industrial gases. Students were asked to incorporate these gases—particularly hydrogen—into the design of their sustainable cities.
Air Products are known for creating innovative gas solutions that address climate change and help build a cleaner future. This challenge allowed us to explore how such technology could be used in urban planning, transport systems, and energy supply.
Throughout the day, teams faced a series of smaller tasks designed to test our teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills. Using our knowledge of sustainability, we worked together to design a future-forward city that was not only eco-friendly but also functional and inspiring.
At the end of the workshop, each team presented their final design to a panel of judges, explaining the features of their city and how they had integrated Air Products' gases. The presentations were a real highlight—filled with imaginative ideas and innovative solutions.
This was a day full of learning, teamwork, and innovation - a perfect example of how careers education can be inspiring, fun, and impactful.
