Middlesex University supports pupils' creative talents with design competition

New contest with MDX and sixth form college to boost teenagers' creativity

Middlesex University has hosted a group of 15 Year 10 students in workshops to boost their creativity for an inaugural design competition launched by South Thames College.

The college, in Wandsworth, South London, recently celebrated the winner of the competition, which was run in partnership with the University and Cass Art.

Over 70 students participated through workshops delivered by Chenika Allen, a self-taught brand designer and Schools Partnership Coordinator at the college. A shortlist of 15 students from Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon, South West London, was then invited to attend workshops at the University’s Hendon campus, where they explored creative options in higher education. 

The students learned about screen printing at the University’s Design Studios, gained insights from academics and current Middlesex University students, and eagerly awaited Chenika’s announcement of the competition winner.

The overall winner was Sara Abdalla from Ricards Lodge High School for her T-shirt design and brand, Mindfull.

Mindfull is a mental health-focused clothing brand for teenagers, promoting positivity through its slogan, “Look at the glass half full”. Featuring butterfly motifs symbolizing resilience, the brand prioritizes oversized T-shirts for comfort and self-expression.

Sara won an iPad, an Apple Pen, and design goodies courtesy of Cass Art and Middlesex University. The runner-up was Alisha Ashraf, also a pupil at Ricards Lodge, and third place went to Rania Bourouba who attends Dunraven School in Streatham, South London.

"Being part of the competition and seeing the incredible work that the students produced was an absolute pleasure.
The students did a fantastic job, showcasing just how much creative potential is out there. I look forward to welcoming them back to Middlesex when the time comes for them to choose where to study for their degree."

Claire Lewis, Director of Graphic Design and Illustration at Middlesex University.

Jitka Zenatova, Design and Technology teacher from Ricards Lodge High School, said: “It has been an excellent design competition which has really sparked my students’ wider interests in the creative industries and post-16 and post-18 pathways.”

Chenika Allen said: “It’s been heart-warming to see the talent amongst the youth in and around our Borough. We look forward to expanding these kinds of opportunities as part of our schools partnership offer, supporting schools in their engagement with colleges, universities, and employers, and broadening students’ understanding of the opportunities available to them post 16.”

South Thames College is grateful to all partners and stakeholders who supported the delivery of the competition, which is the second contest that the schools' partnership team has delivered since 2023-2024.

Learn more about studying BA Graphic Design and BA Illustration at Middlesex University.