Prize design for school students

Reporter: Laura Wild
Date online: 08 September 2010

Two Middleton students are being awarded a prize to celebrate their achievements and their contribution to the design process of their school.

Rebecca Lyons and Keira Lyons were in the final year of their A-levels at Cardinal Langley RC High School when Inspiredspaces started design engagements with the School.

Both girls wanted to follow careers in architecture and were invited to the school's senior leadership team becoming an integral part of discussions on the design of the new school which is part of the building schools for the future programme.

During the design period, Rebecca and Keira did regular work placements with the scheme's architects, Capita, at their offices in Salford working with the project architect, Nicola Beswick, and her team to create models and plans.

Their experience at Capita supported them greatly in their applications to university and following excellent A-level results, Keira is going to Newcastle and Rebecca to Nottingham to study architecture.

Claire Butler, General Manager at Inspiredspaces said: “We are delighted to present this prize to Rebecca and Keira in recognition of their input into the BSF design process for their school and to congratulate them on their outstanding A level results. We wish them both all the best at university and for their future careers”.

Councillor Teresa Fitzsimons, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said: "I’m delighted that Rebecca and Keira have been given this opportunity to influence the design of their school. Their input has made sure that pupils are at the heart of the new school and that it has been created to meet the needs of present and future students. It is so satisfying to know of the opportunities which are being given to our young people who will be well qualified to join the experts in their future working lives. Well done and congratulations.”

Keira added :“Both Rebecca and I are extremely grateful to Capita and Inspiredspaces for the opportunity to get involved with the design of our old school. Nicola’s statements on our UCAS forms helped us get into our first choice universities and we are really excited to start our architecture courses.”