Following the successful launch of the competition by teams across Innovation and the Academy, Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils were invited to step into the shoes of real-life innovators and design concepts to make hospitals less scary for children. Over several weeks, students worked individually or in groups, developing creative solutions and submitting posters, models, videos and presentations to a judging panel.
Participating schools included:
- Dovecot Primary School
- Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School
- Holly Lodge Girls’ College
- Maghull High School
- Speke Adventure Playground Science Club
The standard of entries was incredibly high, with students demonstrating creativity, empathy and a strong understanding of the needs of children and young people in healthcare settings.
Winners
Key Stage 2 Winner: Dovecot Primary School
Key Stage 3 Winner: Holly Lodge Girls’ College
Winning Ideas
Students from Dovecot Primary School invented a child-friendly hospital app designed to help children and young people feel less scared or lost during their hospital journey.
Students from Holly Lodge Girls’ College invented a meditation app aimed at supporting children’s mental wellbeing and reducing anxiety during hospital visits and stays.
Innovation in Action
Across all schools that took part, students showcased thoughtful and impactful ideas, including:
- An insulin pump concept to help children with diabetes achieve an uninterrupted night’s sleep
- High-tech glasses to translate complex healthcare information
- A hospital affirmation board to boost positivity and confidence for children and young people in hospital
Finalists were invited to the Alder Hey Conference, where they received their certificates and awards from Dame Rachel de Souza. The pupils also toured the hospital and Innovation Hub, as well as meeting members of the Innovation team.
This programme was run as a partnership between teams across Innovation and the Academy.
A huge well done to all the children who took part in the competition and thank you to all the colleagues who supported the programme and helped inspire the next generation of innovators.
