Saracens School pupils are being supported to enter Mayor of London’s design competition

A building being constructed in construction game Minecraft — A still from a youtube video explaining Design Future London. Image: City Hall

Young people at Saracens School are taking up the Mayor of London’s challenge to create plans for local regeneration.

As part of the mayor’s Design Future London challenge the school students have chosen an area they would like to see redeveloped and then working with volunteers from the construction industry have created a plan for this redevelopment.

Volunteers from construction Wates have teamed up with pupils at Saracens to develop drawings, documentation, and even a model of their designs. Supported by staff from social enterprise Local Village Network, working as a team with Wates volunteers they have developed drawings, documentation and even models of their designs.

Design Future London is an annual challenge to design a solution around a built environment opportunity in the local area using resources provided including Minecraft Education. Through the challenge, the young people find out about the different career opportunities available in the built environment sector and experience new things and learn different skills in a creative and collaborative way.

This year, all entries to this challenge will feed into the conversation that is happening right now on a future review of the London Plan. This is a long-term plan prepared by the Mayor of London that touches on all areas that relate to the design and growth of London.

This special programme is funded by the Mayor of London, with companies from the construction industry providing time and expertise through volunteers. Wates is supporting 3 schools across London, including Saracens. To support the project, Local Villages Network have adapted their programme ‘Amplify Me’, which helps year 10 pupils learn about career options, soft skills, and the importance of networking.

Rachael Box, founder of LVN said: “Many young people start the ‘Amplify Me’ programme with low self-confidence and a limited idea of what career they might want, or even how to get their first job. Amplify Me is powerful because it helps them recognise their existing strengths, and they learn the importance of building relationships and networking. It’s amazing to see the change in each young person and the positive feedback from pupils, teachers and volunteers. We’re so grateful to the companies that provide funding and volunteers, and we hope that lots more will get involved.”

Saracens pupils will present their proposals on Thursday 14^th December at The Building Centre in Central London.

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