Following its relaunch in 2023, The North East Schools Built Environment Wonder Challenge is now open again for entries.
It will officially launch in schools the week commencing 9th December, with year 8 students forming mini construction companies.
Working to a series of submission dates, the teams will compete to win the contract to redevelop a chosen ‘brownfield’ area of land and prepare a bid for the development of a new sustainable transport system.
Last year’s winner was a team from St Anthony’s Girls Catholic Academy in Sunderland. The other finalists were from Haydon Bridge High School, Whitley Bay High School, Newcastle High School for Girls and Kenton School.
Established nearly 20 years ago, the North East Schools Wonder Challenge has been revamped over the years and was relaunched in 2023, by Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) supported by Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE).
The Wonder Challenge is divided into three main tasks for each team to undertake. Set up of a construction company and research some of the careers involved. Conduct market research for a transport system and develop designs accordingly. Create a model of the design and sell the ideas to a panel of expert judges.
Over the next few months teams will work together, to prepare a bid to design and develop a sustainable transport system for their local area. The new transport system must be functional and environmentally friendly, encouraging the public to use the system rather than driving and parking their cars in city centres.
The winning company will be selected at the grand final on 19 June 2025.
The lead sponsor of the Wonder Challenge is the NCBF, which will donate prize money. Sponsors also include Compass Developments, Carney Consultancy, BRIMS and Wates.
Angela Carney, president of NCBF, said: “The relaunch of the Wonder challenge last year was very successful, with fantastic support from sponsors, many schools throughout the region and from the teams that took part, all of whom put forward outstanding proposals that so impressed the judges.
“The built environment is a dynamic, forward-looking sector, offering amazing careers for young people and the Wonder Challenge is one of a range of initiatives that industry bodies in the region such as the NCBF and CENE are delighted to coordinate and support.”
Mrs Conqueror, assistant head of house, St Anthony’s Girls Academy, said: “The project allowed the pupils to develop a range of skills. The team had to consider their personal strengths to produce a professional outcome. Their research was specific and detailed and it was a challenge they really benefitted from.”
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of CENE, said: “The Wonder Challenge not only allows students to think creatively within a team environment but it also helps their personal development in areas such as presentation skills, leadership, time management and self-confidence.
“Moreover, it allows them the opportunity to liaise and interact with professionals working in the built environment, including access to industry experts, site visits and, potentially, visiting lecturers. We want the students to really enjoy the whole process involved in the challenge and to come away wanting to learn more about the careers available in our sector.”