STUDENTS in Coventry are invited to take part in a unique initiative helping them to embrace sustainability, boost their qualifications and develop the green skills needed to support the future world of work.
The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (BSC) is to be rolled out to over 129 schools and colleges in the region this year, with Coventry City Council committing to pay the exam entry for every participant.
Combining classroom learning with real environmental consultancy projects, the BSC aims to empower the next generation to tackle real world climate issues and build industry-grade digital skills.
Projects range from planning onshore wind farms and large-scale reservoir developments to mapping underground cable routes for proposed solar parks.
Once completed, the challenge awards students the Pearson-accredited EPQ pathway in Geospatial Innovation – equivalent to half an A-level – and helps with future UCAS and apprenticeship applications.
Delivered with land and environmental consultancy Dalcour Maclaren and technology company Esri, the BSC uses the free ArcGIS for Schools online platform alongside a webinar series and Dalcour Maclaren mentors for every participating school.
Initially launched by Bloxham School in Oxfordshire in 2023, the BSC also helps schools to meet policy goals around incorporating climate education into their curriculum and supports the UK government’s net zero plans.
The rollout in Coventry marks the largest intake of schools embracing the BSC, and supports the demand for green careers.
Coventry City Council says the partnership will help make sustainability a visible, everyday part of learning across the city.
Andrew Dowling, Service Manager for the council’s Outdoor Education Service, said: “The BSC provides an engaging and practical framework that enables pupils to explore real-world sustainability issues, develop problem-solving skills and understand their role in creating positive environmental change.
“Its integration into Coventry schools supports our wider ambition to embed sustainability across education in a way that is meaningful, curriculum-aligned and accessible to teachers and learners.
“This work reflects the strength of partnership working across the city and our shared commitment to preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
“I look forward to seeing the impact it has across Coventry schools and to continuing our work with partners who share our vision for a more sustainable future.”
Claire Evans, Head of Geography at Bloxham School and Co-Creator of the BSC, said: “We’re exceptionally grateful to Coventry City Council for helping us open the Bloxham Sustainability Challenge to every student who wants to take part.
“The power of this programme is its project-based assessment – authentic briefs, real-world challenges and teamwork – delivered like an industry placement in the classroom.
“With Pearson’s EPQ accreditation now in place, students earn recognition worth half an A-level while building the green, digital and professional skills that employers value.”
Pippa, the mum of a recent student, said the BSC made school ‘feel like the workplace’.
She added: “My son learned to use GIS, carried out fieldwork on a live reservoir proposal and even presented at the Esri conference.
“It’s inspired him to pursue geography at university and for us, it’s the best kind of education – industry relevant, exciting and genuinely confidence building.”
Teachers, students and parents can visit https://forms.office.com/e/iy2TZcAJzK to register their interest.
