Oxclose Duo Commended at the North-East Wonder Challenge

Two talented students from Oxclose Community Academy recently showcased their creativity and professionalism at the final of the North-East Wonder Challenge, held at Northumbria University.

James and Tom represented the Academy as a two-man team, competing against much larger groups from other schools, some with up to 13 students involved in their projects. Despite the scale of the challenge, the pair impressed judges with their initiative, Oxclose Sustainable Transport, a train-based proposal designed to improve eco-friendly connectivity in and around the local area.

The judges commended James and Tom for their detailed research, thoughtful ideas and confident presentation. Although they didn’t take home the overall prize, they received personal congratulations from the panel and were awarded a small prize in recognition of their hard work and professionalism.

The North-East Wonder Challenge, organised by Constructing Excellence in the North-East (CENE), introduces Year 9 and 10 students to the world of construction. The challenge sees students forming mini construction companies to develop and present proposals for real-world projects, often based on their local communities. It promotes essential skills including teamwork, innovation, sustainability and public speaking, while also offering insights into careers in the built environment.

Everyone at Oxclose is incredibly proud of James and Tom for their efforts and for representing the Academy so brilliantly on a regional stage.