STUDENTS from a Wirral school had the chance to showcase their creative talents on a national scale by working with the producers of Pot Noodle on promotional artwork for the brand’s latest flavour.

As part of Co-op’s Careers incentives, the year eight students from Co-op Academy Bebington were invited to take part in a Dragon’s Den-style competition, pitching creative concepts for the new Pot Noodle flavour’s Korean BBQ Beef in-store point-of-sale (POS) materials.

After months of preparation and collaboration with Unilever and Co-op staff, students presented their designs to a panel of judges at Co-op’s Support Centre, Angel Square, Manchester. Co-op Academy Bebington’s 'Bring the Bull to the BBQ' concept was crowned the winner, and their design will now be featured in promotional displays across more than 1400 Co-op stores nationwide.

Last week, the students were invited back to Co-op’s headquarters to see the final POS design and meet Unilever staff as part of an official launch event.

Co-op Academy Bebington teacher Carl Perkins said: "The DT department at Co-op Academy Bebington were delighted when our students won the competition to design the new POS and packaging for Pot Noodle.

"Now to see it come to life is such a fantastic experience for them and we couldn’t be prouder.

"The students really enjoyed the challenge of entering their first - but maybe not their last - design competition.

"This opportunity, facilitated by DT teacher, Lucy Forber and myself, has enabled them to learn about the design process, branding and visualisation and has been a truly valuable learning experience.

"They entered as year nine students and now they're in year nine, preparing to select their options.

"These kinds of experiences really help to influence choices and now many of them are thinking about taking a creative subject."

Co-op Academy Manchester, Co-op Academy North Manchester, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent and Co-op Academy Swinton also took part in the final round, where they worked with industry experts to refine their designs and develop their marketing pitches.

Daniel, a year nine student at Co-op Academy Bebington, shared his excitement at seeing the POS materials for the first time. He said: "It's really cool seeing it all come together, and knowing me and my mates designed it is just really cool.

"When we first pitched our design we were really nervous about speaking in front of people and didn’t think we’d win so to find out we did was amazing.

"I love drawing and like to do graphic design and animations so I have really enjoyed being part of this experience and will definitely look to take part in more things like this in the future."

Hazel Remeika, Co-Op Academies business partner in the community and member participation Team, said: "This collaboration is a great example of how Co-op as sponsor can bring exciting opportunities to our students.

"Pot Noodle helped us bring to life how a business like Co-op not only offers new and exciting products for our Members and customers, but also offers real social value.

“This experience has offered our students an insight into the careers they may want to consider, as well as developing key skills like problem solving and confidence.

"Not many year nine's can say their designs have been in 1,400 Co-op stores nationwide as part of a new product launch."