V&A Innovate National Schools Challenge 2021-22

Published 5th July 2021

Take part in the V&A Innovate National Schools Challenge in the Autumn Term!

We’re asking students in years 7, 8 and 9 to work in teams of 4-6 to design a solution to a real-world problem. Students can choose to explore one of three contextual challenges inspired by the V&A’s new Design 1900-Now galleries that ask critical questions about the issues shaping our world:

Renew: How might we give objects, materials and spaces a second life?
Connect: How might we better connect with each other?
Move: How might we keep active and make the most of the outdoors?

Within their chosen context, students discover a problem they want to solve leading to a new design solution. Entries are judged by a panel of industry experts. Finalists are invited to a Pitching and Awards day at the Museum, have their work displayed, and could win awards for their school.

V&A Innovate has a flexible structure and can be run as a unit of work, an extra-curricular activity, or an off-timetable STEAM day.

To support delivery teachers can access a range of free online resources, including animations, industry inspiration films, object insight films with curators, and activity idea toolkits created with teachers and designers.

Entering the challenge is free and open to state-funded secondary schools. To enter, students create 2 x A3 design sheets showing their design journey and idea. Deadline for entries 7 January 2022.

Head to our online resource hub to find out more: vam.ac.uk/innovate

Read about this year’s winners on our blog: vam.ac.uk/blog

Join our CPD on 13 July to hear case studies and top tips from three teachers who have delivered the programme: https://www.vam.ac.uk/event/gPqJ6Mkr/v-a-innovate-talks-teacher-insights-july-2021