Future Builders Wanted
Thames Freeport is reshaping economic growth across Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock. Long-term regeneration succeeds when young people see real opportunity in the place they call home.
That’s the purpose of the Smart City Schools Competition, a programme designed to spark early interest in future skills, technology and the built environment, while giving students a meaningful role in imagining the region’s future.
The Challenge
In partnership with Young Enterprise, Thames Freeport is inviting primary and secondary students from schools across the Thames Freeport to answer a single question:
“What could your area look like in 2035?”
Students have the chance to explore real local challenges such as transport, energy, green space, health and safety, and consider how technology and AI might help address them. It’s a simple brief, but it opens the door to deeper thinking about place-making, sustainability and the careers shaping the UK’s next generation growth zone.
Earlier this year Thames Freeport tested the challenge with three schools in the region,
- Grays Convent School,
- Orsett Heath Academy, and
- Harris Academy Riverside.
Students explored how smart transport, robotics and greener public spaces could transform their community. The project helped them connect their curriculum to real-world changes happening on their doorstep.
The outcomes were brilliant
A group of year 9 students from Harris Academy Riverside came up with this example of their vision of how technology could solve problems locally.
Teachers told us – I really enjoyed the project with my form class. I loved their design and I am very proud of them. I hope this project continues the great work 🙂
For some pupils, it was their first time understanding who designs and plans the places they live in. For others, it opened interest in engineering, logistics, construction or tech.
What young people thought
- “We always hear about technology in America and in London, but we never hear about it here”
- “I think we need more opportunity to learn about it in school. I didn’t really know about this before”
- “I want to know more about renewable energy”
- “It’s interesting to learn about the new technology that people are putting into the world”
- I never knew technology could go that far. Like, when we learned about self-driving transport, that is interesting.
Feedback from teachers showed that the activities slot naturally into Geography, Science, Design Technology, Art, Citizenship and PSHE. This year, teachers will also be able to connect their students’ ideas to the development of the region’s new Strategic Masterplan
Why Thames Freeport Is Investing in Young People
Thames Freeport was created to connect local people to global growth. That starts with young people understanding the industries on their doorstep and believing there’s a place for them in it.
In our work on various projects this year, Thames Freeport has worked with
- 16 schools across the region
- 1,000+ students
- Teachers reported higher confidence teaching future skills
How this supports teachers and students;
- connect students to the future of their local area
- introduce concepts such as AI, smart cities and sustainability
- link classroom learning to careers in ports, logistics, construction, manufacturing and digital sectors
- support schools working toward Gatsby Benchmarks 4, 5 and potentially 6
What Schools Receive
Thames Freeport and Young Enterprise have developed a free teacher resource pack that includes:
- clear guidance and judging criteria
- ready-to-use lesson and assembly activities
- printable worksheets
- suggestions for curriculum links
Schools can run it as a single lesson, a half-term project, or an enrichment activity.
Please get in touch enquiries@thamesfreeport.com for further support. With our partners we would also explore options to come in and speak to your school about the competition and local developments.
The prizes
- VIP “Future Tech” visit to Thames Freeport sites
- An in-school digital skills workshop
- Prizes for students in each team
- Public showcase of the winning design
- Recognition as a Thames Freeport Smart School 2026
Who Can Get Involved
The competition is open to schools across Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock.
It’s suitable for KS3 classrooms, clubs or enrichment programmes.
If you are a:
- Teacher or school leader: download the pack and register.
- MAT or college: share the opportunity across your network.
- Employer: support visits or talks to help bring future careers to life.
More information and downloadable resources:
https://thamesfreeport.com/smart-city-schools-competition/
