Lower Sixth students have had the opportunity to take part in a new initiative which provides a curriculum-industry-partnership approach to their studies.
This year has seen the launch of an exciting new initiative by Bloxham School’s Geography Department in partnership with the award-winning environmentally responsible national business enterprise, Dalcour Maclaren. The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (BSC) has provided an opportunity for our students to develop work-ready competencies by finding solutions to a real-life challenge. Students were tasked by Dalcour Maclaren with critically evaluating whether a solar park should be built in Buckland Marsh (Oxfordshire), with the additional challenge to plan an appropriate route for an underground cable, connecting the solar park to the National Grid substation in Botley West.
Over a period of 20 weeks of collaboration and research, the team of four worked together, putting themselves in the shoes of the planning inspectorate, to decide on a suitable route and whether or not to approve the project. Before starting the project, the team gained an initial understanding of sustainability, researching news articles to broaden their scope and discuss the developments within the energy industry. In addition, they completed a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the University of Grenoble based on ‘New Energy Technologies: Energy Transition and Sustainable Development.’
The team then split with designated tasks: two students used ArcGIS technology from ESRI to plan a suitable route from the site of the solar park to the connection centre near Oxford, whilst the other two assessed the benefits and shortfalls of the proposed solar park. Together, the team also used ArcGIS Survey123 software to design their own questionnaire, which helped them to gain an understanding of community perceptions of a solar park development.
The BSC provided the opportunity for the students to develop excellent critical thinking skills and improve their teamwork, communication and leadership competencies. The challenge came to its conclusion with a presentation of the students’ findings at Dalcour Maclaren, where the students excelled and presented exceptionally well. The Schools Team from ESRI UK were also invited to attend the event and they were exceptionally impressed by the student’s use of ArcGIS and Survey123 software to tackle their real-world challenge.
Dr. Claire Evans, Head of Geography comments: “Our partnership with Dalcour Maclaren has provided a platform for a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience and we are all very grateful to them for their valuable time and expertise. We are very much looking forward to continuing this partnership next year and we are also delighted to have ESRI’s support and guidance as we open our Bloxham Sustainability Challenge next year to other schools within the region.”
The students involved remarked after their presentation:
- “It was an amazing learning experience and we’re extremely lucky to have worked with such an incredible company.”
Lewis R. (A Level Maths, Further Maths & Physics) - “I thoroughly enjoyed the digital mapping software of ArcGIS as it helped me to develop my IT skills and critical thinking in Geography.”
Finn G. (A Level Geography, Business & DT) - “My favourite part of the project was gaining new research skills by going into the local community and conducting a questionnaire using Survey123. I also loved building on my public speaking skills in a professional setting during our final presentation.”
Seb K. (A Level Geography, Physics and Maths). - “I really enjoyed the Bloxham Sustainability Challenge and appreciated the opportunity to build upon my public speaking and presentation skills.”
Sam O. (A Level Maths, Physics & DT)