Year 10 Technology and 3D Design students teamed up with Year 8 members of the Eco-Committee to enter this year's Design, Make and Market Challenge. The annual competition is organised by the Newbury & District Agricultural Society (NADAS) and was judged at the Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) on 2 May. This is the first time we have entered a team in the Berkshire wide competition.

The brief was to design a product with an agricultural, horticultural, environmental or sustainability theme, which they then had make into a prototype to present and 'market' to a panel of judges at the final. 

The team's focus was to find a way to encourage school children to complete environmental tasks and be rewarded in a sustainable way, whilst getting them outside to help with their wellbeing. After an initial idea to create an app to record and reward environmental actions, the product was further developed to link with sustainable pods which would be marketed to educational establishments. The app allows the user to record actions such as litter picking, eating plant based meals or using a reusable water bottle, for which they gain points. As the points accumulate, it earns them time in a 'pod' with their friends at break or lunchtime. The pod is made entirely from sustainable materials and uses solar and energy generated by students cycling static bikes for power.

They were up against four other teams from BCA and Churchmead schools, whose teams explored the agricultural market. The judges from NADAS, which consisted of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Chair of the Education Committee, two past Newbury Show Chairs and one past Newbury Show President, praised all teams for their ingenuity and creativity, and felt that all products could have been marketed with some small refinements. 

After much deliberation, the LHS team 'Peace Pods' were picked as the 2025 winner! Congratulations to our all female team who worked so hard on their unique and creative idea. They have been invited to the Newbury Show in September to officially receive the trophy. They have also won £200 for the school.

If you would like to take part next year, please speak to Mrs Meader, Head of Technology, or Mrs Saunders, Sustainability Lead.