The Ted Wragg Innovation Competition, an annual event that brings together schools from across Devon, Plymouth, and Exeter, saw remarkable ingenuity and dedication from its participants this year. Among the standout achievements was our Matford Brook Academy team, The Ground Crew, who received the Highly Commended – Teamwork award with an impressive perfect score of 30 out of 30 for their teamwork whilst working on their project involving the creation of an environmentally sustainable airport.

Teamwork and Innovative Design

Judges lauded The Ground Crew for their exceptional team collaboration, noting the great details they provided on how they worked together. The team demonstrated brilliant insights on leveraging individual strengths, resulting in an effective team structure, clearly defined roles, and innovative working methods. This high level of organisation and mutual support was key to their success in the competition.

The Competition Framework

Held at the Exeter College Future Skills Centre, the competition was a collaboration between Exeter College and the South West Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP). This year, the themes focused on green living and home decarbonisation, as well as the creation of new, sustainable infrastructure such as airports or college campuses. Sponsored by NOCN and Willmott Dixon, the event aimed to foster creativity and problem-solving among students from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4.

Participants engaged in learning about sustainable lifestyle choices and actions to reduce carbon emissions. They integrated environmental, social, and economic considerations into their planning, design, construction, and operational phases. These efforts were supported by masterclasses from the sponsors, providing a comprehensive educational experience.

Event Highlights

The competition concluded with a celebration event attended by 16 teams from 15 schools. The day featured the opening of an exhibition showcasing students' work, keynote speeches, and five-minute presentations from each team, followed by Q&A sessions with the judges. After a networking lunch, the event culminated in the awards ceremony and prize-giving presentation.

Encouraging Innovation and Problem-Solving

The Ted Wragg Innovation Competition aims to discover and nurture students with a talent for solving complex problems through innovative means. Participants were tasked with researching and developing creative solutions to pressing environmental issues, with a focus on using technology to improve the world.

To assist the teams, industry sector experts conducted live virtual discussions and masterclasses before the competition. These sessions provided valuable industry insights and guidance, helping students refine their ideas and concepts into robust proposals.

Judging Criteria and Expert Panel

The judging panel, composed of industry experts from the technology sector, evaluated the teams based on their understanding of the criteria and the development of their final proposals. The Ground Crew’s project on an environmentally sustainable airport stood out, reflecting a comprehensive grasp of sustainability principles and excellent teamwork.

Cecilia Golborne, Associate Teacher at Matford Brook Academy who supported this year’s team said, “The Ground Crew's victory in the Teamwork category at the Ted Wragg Innovation Competition underscores the importance of collaboration, innovative thinking, and sustainability in tackling today’s challenges. Their success serves as an inspiration to other students and highlights the potential of young minds to contribute to a greener future.”