How would you ensure good health and wellbeing in people living and working in a new development?

That was the question posed to more than 150 Year 10 students from five of the borough’s schools as part of the Lendlease Challenge.

The students were tasked with developing and submitting proposals for a showpiece hub at The International Quarter.

Before they could do that, however, they were given a tour of the Stratford site and also took part in a workshop to explore the impact of effective regeneration products.

Judges then whittled the students down to just 16, with one group from each of the five schools – Cumberland School, Chobham Academy, Eastlea Community School, Rokeby School and Plashet School – making it through to the final.

They then headed to the Financial Conduct Authority’s headquarters in Canary Wharf, where the team from Plashet were crowned the winners.

They received a trophy and will also benefit from business mentoring and work experience with Lendlease, who are developing The International Quarter.

Plashet student Zaynab Sharif said: “The competition was an exciting and challenging experience, with a wonderful prize of business mentoring and work experience.”

Eastlea student Sarah Urmi added: “It was an amazing experience and taught me new things about society and engagement. It really opened my eyes and changed the way I think.”

The programme was delivered by The International Quarter in connection with youth career development organisation 15billion-ebp.

Ian Crockford, project director at The International Quarter was also one of the judges.

He said: “The calibre of submissions from the students was first-class and it was fantastic to see so many creative and inspirational ways the students embraced the principles of health and wellbeing in a regeneration project – something which is at the heart of our plans for The International Quarter.

“We look forward to welcoming the students as they take up their work experience placements later this year.”