Innovation Award Launch

Following its hugely successful launch last year, the Old Caterhamian’s Association opened the 2019-20 round of the whole-school initiative for pupils: The OCA Innovation & Collaboration Award. The award is open to all pupils at the school and asks them to work with their peers to design and develop innovative ideas which will then be presented to a panel of expert judges in the Summer Term for a prize.

The prize was awarded for the very first time at Speech Day 2019. Winners benefit from support and mentoring from the alumni community together with a financial prize to enable the expansion and market launch of their winning idea. OCA President Clive Furness and last year’s winners spoke with pupils to launch the initiative for this school year.

The winners in 2018-19 were Planet Eco comprising Millie, Leah, Juliette, Isla, Izzy, Savannah, Sayano, Scarlett, Scarlet and Karlijn in the First Year. Their idea of an eco-friendly shampoo and packaging was presented with a confidence and thoughtfulness well beyond their years. The judges were impressed by the depth of research and planning which has already gone into the development of the product, as well as the clear passion for the idea and the potential environmental benefits. Exciting times are ahead for the impressive Planet Eco as they continue to develop their ideas with support from the Old Caterhamians Association.