Oulton Academy Girls Design the Self-Sufficient City of the Future - DRAX Project
Six talented Year 8 girls from Oulton Academy are currently engineering the future as they compete in the Industrial Cadets Bronze Project, a prestigious 12-week STEM challenge designed to develop the next generation of innovators.
The team is tasked with a monumental challenge: designing a self-sufficient, eco-friendly city from the ground up. To succeed, they must go far beyond simple architecture, producing a comprehensive technical report, a physical model, and a formal presentation that addresses the complex realities of modern urban living.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
The project requires the girls to solve real-world problems that professional engineers face every day. Their design must account for:
- Renewable Energy: Identifying the specific types of power needed to keep the city running without carbon emissions.
- Resource & Waste Management: Planning what materials are required for construction and how the city will process waste sustainably.
- Infrastructure: Developing efficient transportation networks to move citizens without relying on fossil fuels.
- Social Impact: Strategising how to manage public attitudes, ensure long-term job security for residents, and maintain a healthy, thriving population.
Mentorship from Industry Experts
To help guide them through these complex topics, the team has been working closely with Gemma from Drax. As part of the Drax Foundation’s commitment to encouraging gender diversity in STEM, Gemma has provided expert mentorship, offering the students a rare look into the renewable energy sector and the skills needed for a green career.
The Road to York University
The girls are now entering the final stages of their project. Their hard work will culminate in a final submission and presentation at the University of York, where they will showcase their model and findings to a panel of industry experts.
Successful completion of the project will see the students graduate as Bronze-level Industrial Cadets, earning a nationally recognised award that highlights their dedication to engineering and sustainability.
We wish our Year 8 engineers the best of luck as they finalise their designs for the city of tomorrow!
