Designing Futures: Oulton Academy Students Shine in Final SGP Showcase

The final showcase at Oulton Academy marked an exciting conclusion to the SGP + You schools programme (developed in partnership with Veronica Heaven at The Heaven Company), with Year 8 students stepping up to deliver their big presentation in the school’s Conference Room. The students were absolutely brilliant. Having stayed after school to rehearse, they arrived full of frenetic energy and excitement, putting the finishing touches to their models and finalising their presentation pitches.

For many, presenting in the Conference Room felt like delivering their concepts and rationales at a big business meeting. Each group took the opportunity to explain their ideas and the work they had undertaken throughout the programme. They received direct feedback from SGP’s Alistair and Alan, who were engaged earlier in the day in a session of certificate signing, recognising the different skills and talents that had emerged from the students over the course of the project.

The students’ presentations were followed by a joyful awards and recognition session. As each category was read out, there were drum rolls, cheers and claps for the winning students. Every award was met with mutual support and delight from their peers. Certificates were awarded across a range of categories, from Classical Architecture and Most Innovative Design to Best Project Manager and Model Making Accuracy. The final awards, for Best Presentation and Best Pitch, were decided after hearing directly from the students during the session.

The showcase ended with a group photo, including Principal John Higgins, capturing a moment of celebration and pride. This year’s programme once again demonstrated the social value of SGP’s engagement with Oulton Academy and how it is supporting the school’s ongoing journey of transformation.

With new applications already coming in for next year, the programme is making a real mark, and with former student Annie Beeton now a member of SGP’s Leeds office, it’s clear how far that impact can reach.

To read more about the programme visit:https://www.stephengeorge.co.uk/masterplanning-tomorrow-how-sgp-is-inspiring-young-designers-at-oulton-academy/