GA Annual Conference 2026

The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (BSC) is an award‑winning education–industry initiative that empowers Sixth Form students to become the sustainability leaders of tomorrow through authentic, place‑based enquiry. Students step into the role of environmental consultants, using ArcGIS, Survey123 and StoryMaps to investigate live development proposals - from solar parks and reservoirs to onshore wind farms. Working directly with professionals and analysing real spatial data, they develop critical thinking, digital literacy and global citizenship, while also completing the Pearson‑accredited EPQ Geospatial Innovation Pathway (worth half an A‑level), giving them recognised credentials and a valuable post‑18 advantage.
During this session delegates will gain hands‑on experience with next year’s Challenge, Planning for Sustainability: Shaping the Future of East West Rail, which positions students as consultants on one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects and provides a powerful real‑world context for learning. Strategically aligned with national educational and policy priorities, the BSC embeds climate literacy, geospatial capability and systems thinking into Year 12 curriculum and enrichment, while also directly supporting the growing industry demand for geospatial talent and building meaningful pathways into the green economy.