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INTRODUCTION

Thames Freeport is a Free Trade Zone, created by the government to support international trade and boost economic growth. Within this zone, there are greater opportunities for businesses to connect, grow and create jobs for local people.

The Thames Freeport Economic Zone covers Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock. Thames Freeport is investing in these areas to support future industries and create more opportunities for employment. The Thames Freeport is expected to attract £4.5 billion of new investment and create 21,000 skilled jobs.

A key part of this work is engaging with the local community to understand their vision for the future. Young people play an important role in shaping this vision, and Thames Freeport is keen to hear their ideas.

This school competition gives students the chance to explore local challenges and propose innovative technology and AI-based solutions for the future of their area.

THE CHALLENGE

“Design what your future area will look like in 2035 using technology and AI tools”

 

Partnering with Young Enterprise, the competition will bring students together from schools across the local areas of Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock, offering them the opportunity to share their ideas, develop valuable skills, and contribute to the future of their communities. Designed for students aged 12–14, whether you’re joining through your school curriculum or as part of an after-school club, this challenge is flexible and fun.

This is an exciting opportunity to get involved in a competition against other students in your area and neighbouring boroughs. Young Enterprise works with hundreds of schools across the UK and thousands of young people like you. It is a national charity that motivates young people to succeed in the changing world of work by equipping them with the work skills, knowledge and confidence they need.

Enter the competition!

Hit the ENTER NOW button below to get started. Just click the link and you’ll be taken straight to the application form to join the competition.

Don’t miss your chance to take part!

ENTER NOW!
Download for teachers

Click the button below to download the resource pack. It includes everything you need to support your students, from competition details and judging criteria to easy-to-use activities and printouts to get started.

DOWNLOAD HERE!

HOW YOUR DESIGNS & IDEAS WILL BE JUDGED

Please use the drop down headings below to explore more tips and information.

1) Local Issue

Think about something in your area that could be better. Maybe it’s rubbish on the streets, a park that’s unsafe, noise pollution, or people struggling to get help when they need it. Your task is to show how well you understand this problem.

  • Why do you think this problem exists?
  • Who does it affect? Could it be your friends, your family, or people you see every day?
  • Has anyone tried to fix it before? What worked, and what didn’t?

2) Your solution

Now it’s time to share your idea to solve the problem. Don’t be scared to think big or get creative!

  • What’s your plan for fixing the issue?

  • How does your idea help the people affected?

  • Why do you think your solution will work better than what’s been tried before?

Your solution could be anything from organising a community clean-up, creating an awareness campaign, using new technology, or even building something new.

What matters is that your idea shows how you want to make your community a better place.

3) Creativity & vision

We want to see how original and exciting your ideas are!

  • Did your team come up with unique ideas that stand out and are different from others?

  • How did you get inspired to create your solution?

  • Did you use your imagination to think of new and creative ways to solve the problem?

Using Technology & AI:
Show us how you used digital tools or artificial intelligence (AI) to help with your project. For example:

  • How did technology help you research, design, or present your solution?

  • Did AI help you solve any challenges or create something new?

  •  Did you use apps, coding, or smart technology to make your idea better?

Remember, being creative isn’t just about art or design, it’s about thinking differently and using what you have in new ways. And technology is a great helper in making your ideas even cooler!

CLICK HERE TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION

PREVIOUS WINNERS DESIGN

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO - THAMES FREEPORT - BUILDING THE FUTURE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Thames Freeport?

Thames Freeport is a government-created Free Trade Zone designed to boost international trade and economic growth. It covers Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock, attracting new businesses and creating jobs for local people.

Why is there a school competition?

A key aim of Thames Freeport is to engage the local community and hear from young people about their ideas for the future. This competition invites students to tackle local challenges by creating innovative technology or AI-based solutions

Who can enter the competition?

Students are welcome to enter the competition either on their own or as part of a group of up to five people. This means you can take part individually or work together with friends to share ideas and create something amazing as a team.

What skills will students develop?

By entering, students will build important skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

Where can I find the judging criteria?

Full details on what judges are looking for are found in the competition pack. Judges focus on understanding of the problem, creativity of the solution, logic, teamwork, presentation, and use of technology.

How will the entries be judged?

A panel of external Thames Freeport judges will review all entries. Judging is based on the team’s understanding of local issues, their chosen solution, innovative use of technology or AI, and the skills demonstrated throughout the project.

How do we get started?

Step One: Please register through the application page.

Step Two: Read through the information pack, use the provided resources to plan activities, and help students work towards producing their competition entry. Good luck!

If you have any other questions, please reach out to the email below:

enquiries@thamesfreeport.com