Next generation of potters get creative as Stoke-on-Trent hosts first ever 'Ceramic Challenge'

Dozens of schoolchildren took to the stage to impress ceramic experts with their ideas at the first ever Stoke-on-Trent Ceramic Challenge.

Teams from nine North Staffordshire schools were given three tasks by representatives from Wade Ceramics, Royal Crown Derby and the British Ceramics Confederation (BCC).

Participants could chose whether to design a new ceramic perfume bottle, a modern take on a traditional dinner set, or a marketing campaign to promote the ceramics industry.

And they got the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges when they went head-to-head in the Grand Final at the Victoria Hall, in Hanley.

The Stoke-on-Trent Ceramic Challenge is part of the Essential Life Skills Fund and was run by The Inspirational Learning Group in conjunction with the BCC and Business in the Community.

Ben Dyer, co-founder of the Stafford-based Inspirational Learning Group, said: “We were asked if we would be happy to run a project based around the ceramics industry, and were able to put this project together.

“This was an extra curricular project and every student spent their own time coming up with their ideas. We were really proud to be able to run this competition and help young people to develop their skills.”

Some of the ideas presented on the night included a perfume bottle inspired by Stoke City legend Gordon Banks, and a sealife-themed tea set which aimed to raise awareness of plastic in the ocean.

Five awards were given out, and every winning team was also given a VIP day at Alton Towers.

The prizes went to Hanley-based Created Academy, Watermill School and St Margaret Ward, both in Tunstall, as well as The Excel Academy, in Sneyd Green, and The Discovery Academy, in Bentilee.

Tom Reynolds, commercial and public affairs director at the BCC, said: “It was great to see so much imagination and creativity on display.

“Each team of young people really got stuck in to the tasks our member companies set them, and they came up with some great ideas.

“There are so many exciting employment opportunities in ceramics, hopefully a few of the challenge participants will be inspired to pursue a career in the industry.”

Paula Wardle, group learning and development manager at Chesterton-based Ibstock Brick, was one of the judges.

She said: “What an inspiration to us all. Every school involved in this challenge made a huge amount of effort and showcased an excellent quality of work.

“I was honoured to be chosen as a judge, we had a very tough time choosing the winners.”

The second wave of the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramic Challenge will take place in July, with even more schools and young people taking part.

For more information, contact The Inspirational Learning Group on 01785 550162 or visit www.tilg.co.uk.

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