Secondary schools throughout the UK are invited to take part in the Alu D&T Challenge which aims to teach 11-14 year olds about sustainable design using aluminium.  The Challenge includes an opportunity for students to enter their ideas in a national competition for a chance to win prizes for themselves and their school.  

The Alu D&T Challenge supports the D&T curriculum for 11-14 year olds.  It provides free lesson plans and a range of interactive stimulus materials to explain the material properties and sustainability potential of aluminium.  Students can attempt one of three design briefs to create a sustainable building, vehicle or package using aluminium.

Developed and funded by the UK aluminium industry and supported by leading manufacturers, the Alu D&T Challenge’s design briefs are based on real-life challenges faced by designers who need to meet consumer demands with products that don’t have a negative impact on the environment.  Designs will be judged on how well they address the ‘6Rs’ of sustainability*, as well as their creativity and the use of aluminium.  Organisers, Alupro hope to build on the success of the 2015 competition, which received over 450 entries and awarded prizes to 30 individuals and teams.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of experts representing the aluminium industry.  They will receive a 3D printer for their school and a cash prize for the students.  Runners up will receive vouchers for themselves and the school and all shortlisted finalists will receive a 3D pen.

The competition is open for entries throughout the autumn term and winners will be announced in March 2017.

 Running the Challenge in Schools

The 2016/17 resource booklet and information about the competition is available to download for free at learningaluminium.co.uk/aludtchallenge.

Watch: A video case study on one of the winning schools in the 2015/16 competition