Kingsmeadow students take on the Smart Cities Challenge
As many of us will have now gathered, digitalisation is transforming the way we live, learn and work… from online banking and AI tools to remote working and digital collaboration. As this technological evolution accelerates, young people are stepping up to imagine what the future could look like in their own communities.
This month, Year 8 students at Kingsmeadow Community School in Gateshead rose to that challenge, taking part in the Smart Cities Challenge; a national initiative designed to inspire creativity, teamwork and problem-solving through technology.
Bringing the Smart Cities Challenge to the North East
Kingsmeadow was one of only 17 schools across the UK selected to host the programme, delivered by Ahead Partnership in collaboration with Netcompany. A huge win for Gateshead and the wider North East!
The initiative encourages students to design innovative, tech-enabled urban spaces that tackle real-life challenges and help shape a smarter, more sustainable future.
Working in teams, students developed a range of inspiring ideas to transform Gateshead, all focused on driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.
The creativity and ambition shown by every group impressed the visiting experts, and one team was selected to represent the North East at the national finals in Manchester later this year.
Mr Barrett, Head Teacher at Kingsmeadow Community School, said: “We were so excited to be chosen as one of only a few schools across the country to take part in the tech and digital challenge.
“It is a wonderful opportunity that our Year 8 students grabbed with both hands. They have done the school proud with their efforts on the Smart Cities Challenge.”
Inspiring the next generation of innovators
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, celebrated the school’s success, saying: “It’s fantastic to see North East students leading the way in digital innovation. Opportunities like this not only build vital skills for the future but also showcase the creativity and ambition of our region’s young people. Kingsmeadow’s achievement is something the whole community can be proud of.”
The Smart Cities Challenge highlights how technology can be a powerful tool for learning, collaboration and local transformation. With the North East represented on the national stage, the future looks bright for the next generation of digital innovators.
Kingsmeadow Community School is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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