Each year schools are challenged to develop ideas about a specific topic that is relevant to young people and the overall winning entry will be developed and put into practice. The competition organisers said: ‘The County Schools Challenge aims to encourage students to think about the causes and consequences of people’s actions, and identify solutions or prevention strategies. The scheme recognises the valuable role that schools play in promoting messages that have a society-wide benefit and enables agencies to listen to and learn from young people.

The Year 9 students have been researching and developing their ideas over the past few weeks and teams were shortlisted to present their ideas to Mr Kirkbride, Vice Principal Simon Underwood and Assistant Principal Wanda Gerard. Some involved social media and advertising campaigns while others focused on practical solutions, such as a safety helmet or an app that shows safe crossing places.

The winning team will represent the school at the Kettering and Corby final at police headquarters on 28 June with the overall county final scheduled for 9 July at the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough.

Mr Adam Marriott, Lead Citizenship and RE teacher, said: ‘The quality of ideas this year has been very good and the students have worked incredibly hard to develop strategies that are relevant and usable. They have learned a great deal by researching road safety and this project has promoted teamwork and innovation.’

Mr Underwood said: ‘It is a relevant campaign and gives them the opportunity for some self-reflection.’

Associate Principal Pete Kirkbride said: ‘The theme is really relevant and students came up with powerful messages, creative ideas and brilliant thinking. This is a real world project and it fits in with our other strategies such as the Sixth Form driving experience day or safety talks for young drivers. It is all aimed at keeping our students safe and aware on the roads.’