After weeks of research, analysis and dedication, students participating in this year’s Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (BSC) presented their final sustainability solutions at Dalcour Maclaren this week.
The BSC is a unique initiative that connects classroom learning with industry practice. Over the course of 20 weeks, students have engaged in an interdisciplinary project that builds essential workplace competencies—teamwork, leadership, communication, and analytical thinking – through research, report writing and group presentations.
This year, the Challenge expanded to collaborate with two local schools, The Warriner and Stratford Girls’ Grammar School. Seven teams from across the three schools took part, tackling the complex task of evaluating the viability of a proposed green infrastructure project, the Abingdon Reservoir. Their mission was to produce a preliminary impact report assessing the reservoir’s social, economic, and environmental implications, using cutting-edge technologies to support their findings and recommendations.
The final presentations demonstrated impressive levels of creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency. We eagerly await feedback from the judging panel in the coming weeks and look forward to announcing the winning team soon.
Reflecting on the presentations, Dr. Claire Evans, the lead for the BSC and Bloxham’s Head of Geography shared:
Watching our students from Bloxham School, Stratford Girls’ Grammar School and The Warriner present their work at Dalcour Maclaren this week was a truly proud moment. Over the past year, they’ve embraced a complex sustainability challenge based on the Abingdon Reservoir development with maturity, creativity and real technical skill, using Esri UK’s GIS tools to bring their ideas to life. Their final presentations didn’t just showcase their learning; they revealed the confidence, collaboration and critical thinking that define future talent. As a teacher, it’s been a privilege to support and witness their journey.”
The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge is the result of a dynamic partnership between Bloxham School, Dalcour Maclaren, and Esri UK. This collaboration brings together educational innovation and real-world expertise, offering students hands-on experience, mentorship, and insights into careers in sustainability and geospatial technology.
We extend our sincere thanks to Dalcour Maclaren for their continued support and for generously hosting the final presentations. We’re also grateful to our partners at ESRI UK and the dedicated teachers at The Warriner and Stratford Girls’ Grammar for their invaluable support.
With interest and participation growing each year, we’re excited to see the Bloxham Sustainability Challenge gaining momentum. Keep an eye out for details on the 2025/26 challenge—coming soon!
