Creative Media students from Cheadle College have successfully completed the Watch Me Grow project.

This was a unique live brief in collaboration with Willmott Dixon that has seen them document the development of the College’s new build through photography.

Since the project began in October, students have visited the site monthly to capture the evolving construction, telling the story of the building’s transformation from shell to near-completion. The final phase saw the students present their work to a panel including Jaime Dawson, Construction Manager, and Becky Larner, Assistant Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon.

Presenting their photography and a round-up report on what they gained from the project provided the students with a valuable opportunity to develop their confidence, communication, and presentation skills, crucial experience for their future careers.

Caroline Sniders, Creative Media BTEC tutor at Cheadle College, praised the students’ efforts: “It’s been a brilliant experience. We’ve had six students involved since September last year and they’ve handled the challenge of presenting to real clients really well.

“Everyone’s been impressed by their enthusiasm and the quality of their photography. Some are now even considering careers in construction or architecture, which is fantastic. I’m really proud of them.”

Jaime Dawson, Construction Manager at Willmott Dixon, echoed these sentiments: “It’s been great to see how the students have developed, both in confidence and with the quality of their work. Their progress photos are fantastic, and they’ve provided a brilliant record of the project’s journey from a unique perspective.

“We’re passionate about leaving a lasting legacy for Cheadle College’s students and have thoroughly enjoyed providing them with invaluable real-life practical on-site experience.”

The final photographs will be proudly displayed in the new building once it is completed, providing a lasting reminder of the students’ contribution to the project.