Combat the Summer Dip
- Product competition – 15th May to 21st July
- Summer programe – July 24th to September 3rd
How to combat the summer dip
The Future Leaders of the Circular Economy program and competition is designed specifically to combat the summer learning dip, and aid students and schools with the increased expectations on transition to the next year group.
Research shows that focused activity on character development is the best way to combat the summer dip.
To support schools, this program integrates students’ summer experiences with a framework that encourages reflection on their personal growth through the holiday. This is made possible through early access to the new BeWorldClass app, and a dedicated section for the summer program. The program and competition will showcase and build the characteristics required to become future leaders in the circular economy. It’s a fun and aspirational project that students can engage with throughout the summer, tying their summer experience and personal development together, leading to a smoother transition back into school.
There will be 7 secondary school winners and 4 primary school winners in total, for the greatest improvements in character over the course of their summer holiday, which will be announced in our October symposium.
Why the Circular Economy?
One of the most pressing issues facing the world today is the degradation of the environment and its ecosystems. From climate change to pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, there are numerous environmental challenges that need to be addressed urgently.
The circular economy is an economic model that has positive economic, social and environmental impacts through the elimination of waste, human-centred design and efficient use of resources. It does this by reusing, repairing, and recycling materials and products, rather than discarding them. To prevent upcoming ecological and environmental issues, implementing the principles of the circular economy is crucial, and we need young leaders and innovative thinkers to drive change.
We will provide resources on the real world application of these principles through collaboration with Upcycled Glass, who are partners with University of Exeter Environment and Sustainability Institute.
The Program and Competition
Between the 15th May and 21st July we will run a Circular Economy Product Design Competition to encourage student creativity and thinking about the needs of the circular economy. Students will be provided with information on the circular economy, as well as design thinking models to support their work.
From the 5th June, we will share resources with schools that help students reflect on the characteristics developed through the product design competition to inform the action they will take through the summer holiday program to further their personal development.
The summer program and competition will run from July 24th to the 3rd September.
Students will share their work from the summer program within their school during September to inform nominations for character awards. An online talk available to all schools in late September will help students prepare for the Symposium which will be held in the second week of October to formally launch the work of the World Class Education Network
The characteristics needed to be a leader in the circular economy
The circular economy will have to be a significant part of our future. To become future leaders in the circular economy, students will need to possess certain characteristics, which will be developed and evidenced over the course of the summer.
Secondary schools
I will be a leader in the circular economy because
“Through continuous learning, perseverance and dedication to improvement, I am committed to innovating, inspiring and role-modelling towards positive change.”
Students will evidence about one characteristic per week over the summer
Primary schools
I will be a leader in the circular economy because
“I seek to understand, I have inventive ideas and I care about having a positive impact on others.”
Pupils will evidence about one characteristic every two weeks over the summer
How students engage with the program
Students will have early access to the new BeWorldClass app, to access resources on the circular economy, record their experiences over the summer, and reflect on how their actions show the potential to be a leader in the circular economy.
Students then reflect on their experiences, and think about what they can do more to personally improve on that characteristic.
Get started
Please contact info@beworldclass.org to register your school’s interest in joining the program and competition.