Last Wednesday Matilde (Year 8) and Charlotte (Year 10) collected awards from the CENTURY Tech Changemakers competition. This international competition challenged young innovators to design technology solutions that address one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our students showcased their remarkable creativity and problem-solving skills by designing two outstanding apps. Matilde tackled the issue of Clean Water & Sanitation and picked up the Innovation Award, designing an app that uses a sensor to measure water purity and provides guidance on purifying unclean water. Charlotte focused on Responsible Consumption & Production, creating an app that encourages sustainable use of clothing to reduce waste. This gained her the overall KS4 Award. Their innovative ideas stood out among many entries, earning them this well-deserved recognition.
The awards were presented by Baroness Benjamin, aka Floella Benjamin from Playschool, author and advocate for children’s education. Matilde and Charlotte received their awards at a special tea held at the House of Commons last Wednesday, making the occasion even more memorable.
During her speech, Baroness Benjamin delivered an inspiring message about resilience, ambition, and the power of education. Reflecting on her own journey from Trinidad to the House of Lords, she shared how her parents instilled in her the belief that education is the passport to life. She encouraged young people to embrace learning, develop confidence, and have the courage to stand up for what is right.
She also introduced her philosophy of the ‘Three Cs’ – Consideration, Contentment, and Confidence – urging students to be empathetic, grateful and self-assured in their abilities. She emphasised that “every disappointment is an appointment with something better”, reinforcing the importance of perseverance.
Our students have demonstrated exactly the kind of innovation and determination that Baroness Benjamin champions. Their success in this competition highlights the incredible potential within our school community to create solutions for a better world. Congratulations to our winners!