Alupro launches 2nd Alu D&T Challenge for schools

Key Stage Three pupils (11-14 year olds) are being invited to take up the Alu Design & Technology (D&T) Challenge, a national competition encouraging students to think about the importance of sustainable design, using aluminium.

Returning for its second year the exciting competition is part of a free, flexible D&T online teaching resource developed by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) in partnership with the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) and leading aluminium recycler Novelis UK. The competition has been endorsed by the Design & Technology Association (DATA).

Aiming to communicate the recycling message to the next generation whilst also educating students about the incredible properties and sustainability potential of aluminium - an infinitely recyclable material - the innovative teaching initiative reminds young designers about aluminium’s increasing use in the world we live in; from smartphones to cars, drinks cans to buildings.

The free teaching online resource contains lesson plans, design briefs, stimulus sheets and guidance for teachers and supports the D&T Curriculum throughout the UK. Based on the success of last year’s Challenge, which saw entries from almost 1000 11-14 year olds whittled down to six winners, this year’s competition sets challenges in three design categories focusing on Transport, Building and Packaging Recycling. The aim is to inspire students to really get creative and design a product for the future using aluminium.

Entries will be assessed by a panel of expert judges from the worlds of packaging, recycling, transport and architecture, and DATA. The winning student in each category will win a second generation 16 colour 3-D printer (worth £1000) for their school plus £200 in vouchers. The same prize will be awarded to the best team entry across the categories. Every school entry and finalist will be recognised with a D&T Challenge certificate and in March 2014, the winners will be invited to a prize-giving event for winners and their teachers at the Thinktank Science Museum,in Birmingham.

Diana Caldwell, Marketing & Communications Manager of Alupro explains: “We are looking for as many schools as possible to get involved in the Challenge this year. The Challenge website has everything teachers need to get involved including suggestions for using the Challenge in lessons or as part of a STEM Club or homework project and a video case study of last year’s winners. There is no entry fee and no limit to the number of entries a school can submit. Schools have all autumn term to work on their entries, which need to be submitted to us by 17th January 2014.

“The more students we get involved, the wider our audience participation and the greater awareness we will see of the value of aluminium, its sustainability and therefore its importance in product design.”