On Thursday 11th July, Cumbria Education Trust (CET) hosted a remarkable showcase of innovation and environmental stewardship at The Whitehaven Academy. The occasion? The CET Innovate Final, where young minds from across Cumbria gathered to present their visionary solutions aimed at tackling pressing environmental and social challenges.
Thirteen teams, each representing their schools with unwavering enthusiasm and determination, competed for the prestigious title of CET Innovate Champions 2024. Armed with prototypes, vibrant display boards, and even business cards, these future innovators showcased their ingenuity and commitment to making a positive impact.
From primary schools, Caldew Lea Primary School’s “World Savers” introduced a Recycling Classifier to revolutionise waste management, while Castle Carrock Primary School’s “The Castle Carrock Creators” unveiled the environmentally friendly “SmartStick.”
Hensingham Primary School’s “Team Boxman” presented “Boxman,” an innovative solution tackling environmental challenges, and Longtown Primary School’s “The Wildlife Company” showcased “Fern the Robot,” designed to protect and nurture wildlife.
Newtown Primary School’s “Underwater Cleaners” proposed “Crab 2.0,” a robotic solution to clean oceans and rescue marine life, controlled through a virtual reality game engaging young conservationists.
Northside Primary School’s “Energy Enthusiasts” brought forward “Bike Energy,” harnessing pedal power for sustainable energy, while Petteril Bank School’s “ECO SOL” introduced “Primary School Tree Nurseries Tree Seedling Kits” to promote environmental education.
Tebay Primary School’s “Squirrel Saviours” aimed to protect wildlife habitats with “The Squirrel Saver,” and Yanwath Primary School’s “The Emotions” presented the “Emotion Regulator Watch,” promoting mental wellbeing alongside environmental consciousness.
Yewdale Primary School’s “TTYG” showcased “The Medical Sleeve,” combining health and environmental care, and The Whitehaven Academy’s “Eco Committee” proposed a “Youth Climate Summit” to empower young leaders in climate action.
Workington Academy’s “Sewerage Securers” introduced “The Sewer Securer,” filtering water and collecting waste sustainably, and William Howard School’s “Your Haven – We’re all in this together” proposed “Connect-us” to create community havens for refugees and address housing challenges.
In the end, the judges were impressed by the innovative approach and social impact of William Howard School’s “Connect-us” and Petteril Bank School’s “ECO SOL.” These teams were crowned CET Innovate Champions 2024, showcasing not only creativity but also a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The CET Innovate Final was not just a competition but a testament to the passion and dedication of these young innovators towards safeguarding our planet and promoting social justice. Each team not only presented a concept but also ignited hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.
