Primary school students win national award at the Business of Science Conference

Year 5 pupils at IQRA Academy, Manningham, were awarded the National Primary Innovation Award from the Business of Science Conference after submitting their creative solution to air pollution at the event.

Pupils, Laiba Ahmed, Halima Khan, Ryaan Iljaz, Aisha Siddiqa, Mohid Nadeem, Subhan Ali and Mustafa, created the idea which involved pollution meters being installed on traffic lights to make drivers more aware of how to be more economically friendly.

It was one of many national entries submitted across three categories, from both primary and secondary schools, as well as those aged over 18.

Andrea Ives, IQRA academy’s new principal, said: “This award is so very justified; children at IQRA are renowned for their innovation and outstanding work. The award exemplifies the focus of the school to become a leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. 

“I am so incredibly proud of the children being such fantastic ambassadors for the school, Feversham Education Trust and the whole of Bradford.” 

Entries were judged on the ambition, design and the positive change the idea would create for society.

For the pupils of IQRA Academy, this award sees a celebratory conclusion to a 10-week programme the students completed last year. 

Together with Born in Bradford (BiB) and Leeds-based creative education provider, IVE, IQRA Academy was one of two schools selected to participate in an applied creativity lab series to support and encourage pupils to design new ways to reduce air pollution. 

The initiative, which was part of the Born in Bradford Breathes project, paired 30 young innovators, with industry experts, to co-produce inspiring new ideas to tackle the city’s air pollution problem. 

The traffic pollution meter, or ‘Invisolution’, was selected as the winner and Bradford Council has even committed to looking into the feasibility of developing their idea.  

Steve Bennett, the Business of Science Innovation Awards Founder, said:  “The Innovation Awards were designed to recognise, celebrate and reward individuals of all ages who can create an imaginary solution to a real problem. IQRA Academy did just that. The judges were just amazed that a group of primary school children could come up with such an innovative concept.”  

As part of their prize, IQRA Academy has also been awarded £1,000, which will be used towards supporting STEM education within the school.